Lesson 5 Flashcards
(39 cards)
A general approach to research determined by the kind of
question that the research study hopes to answer.
Research strategies
The only strategy that focuses on individual variables.
This strategy intends to answer questions about the current state of individual variables for a specific group of individuals.
The goal is to obtain a description of specific characteristics of a specific group of individuals.
Descriptive research strategy
Purpose: Produce a description of individual variables as they exist within a specific group.
Data: A list of scores obtained by measuring each individual in the group being studied.
Descriptive research strategy
Purpose: Produce a description of the relationship between two variables but do not attempt to explain the relationship.
Data: Measure two variables (two scores) for each individual in the group being studied
Correlational research strategy
Purpose: Produce a cause-and-effect explanation for the relationship between two variables.
Data: Create two treatment conditions by changing the level of one variable. Then measure a second variable for the participants in each condition
Experimental research strategy
Purpose: Attempt to produce a cause-and-effect explanation but fall short.
Data: Measure before/after scores for one group that receives treatment and for a different group that does not receive the treatment
Quasi-experimental research strategy
Purpose: Produce a description of the relationship between two variables but do not attempt to explain the relationship.
Data: Measure scores for two different groups of participants or for one group at two different times
Nonexperimental research strategy
The general approach and goals of a research study.
Usually determined by the kind of question you plan to address and the kind of answer you hope to obtain.
Research strategy
It specifies whether the study will involve groups or individual participants, will make comparisons within a group or between groups, and how many variables will be included in the study.
Research design
Three basic aspects of a research study
Group vs individual
Same individuals vs different individuals
Number of variables to be included
An exact, step-by-step description of a specific research study , including a precise determination of:
exactly how the variables will be manipulated, regulated, and measured.
exactly how many individuals will be involved.
exactly how the individual participants or subjects will proceed through the course of the study.
Research procedures
Studies that all involve comparing groups of scores. The comparison involves looking for mean differences or differences in proportions.
Experimental, quasi-experimental, & non-experimental studies
Studies that do not involve comparing different groups of scores. It measures two different variables (two different scores) for each individual in a single group and then looks for patterns within the set of scores
Correlational studies
Studies that are intended to summarize single variables for a specific group of individuals.
Descriptive studies
the extent to which we can generalize the results of a research study to people, settings, times, measures, and characteristics other than those used in that study.
External validity
Threats to external validity
Generalization from a sample to the general population.
Generalization from one research study to another.
Generalization from a research study to a real-world situation.
Threat: Most research questions concern a large group of individuals known as a population.
Generalization from a sample to the general population.
Threat: Each research study is a unique event, conducted at a specific time and place using specific procedures with a specific group of individuals.
Generalization from one research study to another.
Threat: Most research is conducted under relatively controlled conditions with individuals who know that they are participating in a research study.
Generalization from a research study to a real-world situation.
A research study has __________ if it produces a single, unambiguous explanation for the relationship between two variables.
A threat to _______ is any factor that allows for an alternative explanation.
Internal validity
Generalizing across participants or subjects:
The sampling procedure favors the selection of some individuals over others.
Selection bias
Generalizing across participants or subjects:
Evidence is accumulating to suggest that many of the characteristics of _______ limit the ability to generalize the results to other adults.
College students
Generalizing across participants or subjects:
Volunteers are not perfectly representative of the general population.
Volunteer bias
Generalizing across participants or subjects:
When a study uses participants who share similar characteristics. Demographic characteristics such as gender, age, race, ethnic identity, and socioeconomic status can limit the ability to generalize the results.
Participant characteristics
