methods - cross sectional Flashcards
what is a cross sectional study?
takes a measurement of one group of pps at a specific time and compares it with another group e.g. memory of 16 yr olds compared to 18 yr olds
findings provide a snapshot of the differences between the behaviour of the two groups tested
similar to independent groups design
cross sectional studies are often used to look at the effect of age on ?
what is an example of a cross sectional study in clinical psychology?
hyde
what is the aim of hyde’s study?
To investigate whether cognitive decline is worse in pps with SZ
describe the procedure fo hyde’s study
Patients with chronic schizophrenia, aged from 18-69 years were divided into five conditions: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 years
(IV = age group) and cognitive deterioration (DV) was tested using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Dementia Rating Scale.
This was compared to control groups = same ages, no SZ
what are the findings of hyde’s study?
There was no evidence of accelerated cognitive decline
The mean test performances were abnormal across all age groups compared to those without SZ but cognitive function does not seem to significantly decline from early adulthood to late adulthood in those with SZ
how is hyde cross sectional?
It provides a snapshot of cognitive decline across 5 different age groups
If a longitudinal design was used, the same group of pps would be measured every few years from 18 years to 69 years
what are strengths of cross sectional studies?
Not as time consuming as a longitudinal design as the data is analysed and compared more rapidly. This is useful if results are being used to affect Government policy
Pps. are less likely to drop out as it will be a shorter amount of time to commit too than compared to longitudinal research, resulting in more representative samples.
what are weaknesses of cross sectional studies?
A weakness is low validity, individual differences is a major drawback and likely to affect the conclusions which are drawn on making comparisons between groups of different people in each age group
A weakness is cohert effects, the differences between groups could be attributed to the effects of being raised in a particular time and/or place e.g. different generations are affected by technology/war/changes to laws etc
