CHAP 2 / SLIDE 2 Flashcards
(43 cards)
5 Steps to Scientific method
- Ask the question
- Design the study
- Collect the Data
- Analyze the data
- Report the results
Some goals of the scientific method are, especially when sampling
- Gather a relatively large , representative sample through random selection to ensure generalizability
- Identify all variables (i.e., confounding variables)
Choose appropriate measures
All 4 of the research designs used in scientific research are:
- Descriptive: “Quantifies” (ie; How common is alcohol use disorder (AUD))
- Case Studies: “In depth examination of the life of one person”
(ie; What does Sam’s AUD look like and how did it develop?) - Observational / Correlational: “Studies naturally occurring relationships (no manipulation)” (ie: “Is age related to risk of alcohol use disorder”)
- Experimental: “Studies impact of manipulation that is randomly assigned”
(ie; Do individuals randomly assigned to group or individual therapy having better outcomes)
2 Types of Variables in Scientific Research
Dependent and Independent Variables
A Quantitative / Qualitative quality that differs and can take different values for different people is known as a _______
Variable
the variable that is influenced by the another type of variable (ie. what we measure)
Dependent variable
a variable that influences another variable
Independent variable
Changing, withdrawing or doing something that doesn’t happen naturally
Manipulation
Studying behaviours in “real world” settings as they naturally occur with no attempt to manipulate
Naturalistic Observation
Advantages of Naturalistic Observation
- We can understand a range of behaviours as they naturally occur
- We can measure “true” behaviours
- Avoids social desirability bias
- High in external validity
Disadvantages of Naturalistic Observation
- Slow progress
- Low in internal validity
- Dosent work well if people are aware they are being Observed
- In-depth examination of the life of One person
- Interviewing the person or people that know them, analysing writings, etc
Case Studies
Advantages of Case Studies
- Find out about personality in great detail
- Formulate a general hypothesis that can be tested on a larger sample
- In depth knowledge about rare phenomena
Disadvantages of Case Studies
-Results cannot be generalised
-Cannot establish causality
- Determining whether there is a relationship between two variables, without manipulation
- Examines the relationship between variables as they occur naturally-
- Correlation Coefficient (+1 -to -1)
Correlational Studies
In a study of happiness, if as:
As self- esteem increases, happiness also increases
&
As self-esteem decreases, happiness also decreases
This would be known as a ________________
Positive Relationship
In a study of happiness, if as:
As self- esteem increases, happiness decreases
&
As self-esteem decreases, happiness increases
This would be known as a ____________
Negative Relationship
The “strength” of a correlational relationship (ie; 0.01 vs 1) is known as the ___
Magnitude
A correlation of +1 or -1 is a ______ correlation
Perfect
In labelling the magnitude of correlations and their Interpretations
0.5 = ___
> 0.5 - 1 = _____
< 0.5 0.1 = _____
Moderate relationship (0.5)
Very Strong - To - Perfect Relationship
Weak - To - Very Weak Relationship
Advantages of Correlational Studies
- Examines the relationship between variables as they occur naturally ( No manipulation involved)
In class example of where a correlational study could be used where a experimental one could not
Ie. To study the role of nutrition in intelligence, we have to manipulate the IV to see an effect on the DV. We now need two sample groups, one of a healthy diet, one group starves, this study is unethical (Impossible for a experimental, but allows opportunity for Correlational as there are individuals that sadly are in the category naturally)
Disadvantages of Correlational Studies
Not designed to identify causal relationships (Directionality problem; third variable problem)
Correlation does not indicate _______
causation
