Module 12 - Notes Flashcards
(23 cards)
What did the Bem (2011) study claim about predicting future events?
People could predict future events with a success rate of 53% for erotic images
This claim sparked debate about statistical validity.
What is a p-value?
A probability value indicating how likely results are due to chance
A p-value below 0.05 is traditionally considered statistically significant.
What does a p-value less than 0.05 suggest?
Statistical significance, but does not guarantee the result reflects reality.
Define p-hacking.
The misuse of data analysis to obtain significant p-values, often through selective reporting or trying multiple statistical tests.
What is the file drawer problem?
The tendency for non-significant or negative research results to remain unpublished, skewing the available evidence.
How does prior probability influence research validity?
It affects the likelihood that a significant result is actually true.
What is a reproducibility crisis?
A large number of published studies, especially in psychology, cannot be replicated, raising questions about their validity.
What should researchers do to improve reliability?
Replicate studies to ensure reliability
Replication involves repeating a study to see if the original results can be obtained again.
What is preregistration in research?
The act of publicly recording a study’s methods and hypotheses before data collection to prevent selective reporting.
What is basic research?
Research driven by theory or curiosity without direct application.
What is the purpose of efficacy studies?
To test treatment efficacy in clinical trials with human participants.
What does empirical research rely on?
Observation and experiment, not opinion.
Define internal validity.
The extent to which a study shows that the intervention caused the outcome.
Define external validity.
The degree to which study findings can be generalized to other people, settings, or times.
List some threats to internal validity.
- History
- Maturation
- Testing effects
- Instrumentation
- Attrition
- Selection bias
- Diffusion of treatment
What is efficacy in the context of treatments?
Whether an intervention works under controlled conditions.
What is effectiveness in the context of treatments?
Whether an intervention works in real-world settings.
What does efficiency refer to in treatments?
The cost-effectiveness and accessibility of a treatment.
What is Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?
An approach that integrates the best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values.
What is a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)?
A study where participants are randomly assigned to different groups to test cause-and-effect relationships.
What are the levels of evidence in evaluating treatment efficacy?
- Efficacious: Supported by multiple rigorous RCTs
- Probably efficacious: Strong, but less rigorous evidence
- Possibly efficacious: One good study, but lacks controls
- Not empirically supported: Based on anecdotes or poor studies
- Discredited: Proven ineffective or harmful
What does it mean if a treatment is classified as ‘probably efficacious’?
Supported by strong but less rigorous or fewer studies.
What does evidence-based practice involve?
- Best available research
- Clinical expertise
- Client preferences and values
