Chapter 11—Quasi-Exp Designs & Applied Research

Question 1

What is the dual function of applied research?

Answer 1

Addressing problems directly and providing evidence of basic psychological phenomena that influence theory

Question 2

What type of validity is lost and gained in applied research?

Answer 2

Sacrificing internal for external

Question 3

What is a quasi-experimental design?

Answer 3

Studies where causal conclusions can’t be drawn because it is impossible to use RA to create equivalent groups.

Question 4

Describe nonequivalent control group designs

Answer 4

A quasi-experimental design used when creating equivalent groups when RA isn’t possible (for ethical or practical reasons). Since control and treatment groups aren’t equivalent, it may influence the outcome. Controls also just dont get the treatment.

Question 5

What is an interrupted time series design?

Answer 5

A quasi-experimental design used to evaluate the effect of a treatment by comparing observations of trends over time; both before and after the intervention. Helps detect whether coaches are due to the intervention or just random variation

Question 6

What is an interrupted time series with switching replications?

Answer 6

Increases confidence that the intervention caused the change. The intervention is introduce at different times for each group, allowing for replication of the treatment effect

Question 7

What is a needs analysis?

Answer 7

A set of procedures for predicting whether enough people would benefit from the proposed program; if the program can address a clear problem, and if people are likely to use it

Question 8

What is a key informant?

Answer 8

Someone in the community of interest with a great deal of experience and specialized knowledge about the problem at hand

Question 9

What is formative evaluation? What does it do?

Answer 9

Monitors the functioning of a program while it is operating to determine if it is functioning as planned

1. Determines if its being implemented as planned
2. Provides data on how the program is being used
3. Can implement a pilot study to assess potential outcomes before extending the program

It allows for improvements to be implemented before the program is finalized

Question 10

What are summative evaluations?

Answer 10

Evaluations completed at the close of a program; attempts to determine its effectiveness in solving the problem it set out to solve

Question 11

What is a cost-effectiveness analysis?

Answer 11

Monitoring the actual costs of a program in relation to the effectiveness of outcomes. Like a money version of parasimony.