Research & Evaluation of Scientific Studies of Development

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

• Observations

* Theories

Question 2

What is a theory?

Answer 2

• Logical system of general concepts that provide framework for organizing & understanding observations
• Attempt to organize & summarize existing facts
• Should be TESTABLE

Question 3

What is a hypotheses?

Answer 3

• Prediction tested in research

* Based on theoretical perspective or observation

Question 4

What are the characteristics of research?

Answer 4

• Systematic
• Objectivity
• Measurebility

Question 5

Systematic

Answer 5

• Have a plan before conducting the research

Question 6

Objectivity

Answer 6

• Researchers work to reduce bias

Question 7

Measurebility

Answer 7

• Reliability
• Validity
• Replicable (other researchers who use the same method should get the same result)

Question 8

What types of studies can be conducted?

Answer 8

• Descriptive studies
• Case studies
• Correlational research
• Experimental research
• Quasi-experimental research
• Cross-sequential research
• Longitudinal
• Cross sectional

Question 9

Descriptive studies

Answer 9

• Description of observations

* In the lab or in the field

Question 10

Case Studies

Answer 10

• Research involving a single individual, group or family
• Limited generalizability/external validity
• USEFUL WHEN THERE IS A LIMITED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (ex. phineas gage’s case)

Question 11

Correlational study

Answer 11

• Widely used in developmental studies
• examines relationship btwn. 2 or more variables
• Positive correlation
• Negative correlation
• Scatterplots demonstrates degree of correlation

Question 12

What is the correlation coefficient?

Answer 12

-1≤v1

Question 13

Experimental Research

Answer 13

• Examines cause & effect by manipulating variables

* Systematically change 1 variable to examine the effect on the other (IV & DV)

Question 14

Quasi-experimental

Answer 14

• like experimental, but targeting a group

Question 15

Longitudinal

Answer 15

• Study of changes overtime
• Disadvantages
- Attrition: ppl dropping out of the study
- outdated mesures
- $

Question 16

Cross- sectional

Answer 16

Examines diff. groups
Cohort
Cross cultural

Question 17

Cohort

Answer 17

• Ppl that were born w/ groups that are starting things together
• Ex: 90’s babies

Question 18

Methodology: Sampling techniques

Answer 18

• Random
• Stratified
• Matched
• Volunteer

Question 19

Random sampling

Answer 19

• Everyone in the population has an equal chance of being selected

Question 20

Stratified sampling

Answer 20

• Sample proportioned to the population that exists
• Typically selected based on a common factor
• Used in large population studies

Question 21

Matched sampling

Answer 21

• Control group matched to experimental group

* Issues related to validity

Question 22

Volunteer

Answer 22

• Usually educated females

Question 23

Sampling Issues?

Answer 23

• Representativeness
• Generalizable
• History of exclusion (race, ethnicity)

Question 24

What methodologies can be used to collect data?

Answer 24

• Direct observation
• Lab observation
• Questionnaires/surveys
• Standardized test
• Physiological measures (ex. measuring heart rate)
• Sources of info.

Question 25

Sections of APA paper

Answer 25

* Intro * Methods *  Results * Discussion * Undue Bias

Question 26

What is in the intro of a APA paper?

Answer 26

* Literature review * Background info * Theoretical perspective * Purpose * Intro to study * How it will contribute to the field *  Research Q's & Hypotheses

Question 27

What is in the methods section of a APA paper?

Answer 27

* Who, what, when, where * Study design * Participants *  Consent/Approval * Research setting * Procedures * Measures

Question 28

What is the results section of a APA paper?

Answer 28

* Quantitate or Qualitative * Illustration of data * THEORIES ARE SUPPORTED, NOT PROVEN

Question 29

What is in the discussion section of a APA paper?

Answer 29

* Summary * Integration of results * Implications of findings * Recommendations (policy, treatment, behavior change) * Limitations to the study * Future Studies

Question 30

Who approves researchers studies?

Answer 30

* APA * Diff. Agencies * Society for research & development * Society for research on adolescence * Institutional review boards * Special population studies

Question 31

Ethical Guidelines

Answer 31

• No harmful procedures (mentally or physically) • No undue stress • Appropriate settings • Consent from parents any harm, effect, duration, ALL procedures • Assent - child indicate positive response to participation in the study - study explained • Incentive • Deception - if there is any, must be debriefed as much as possible • Anonymity - limit access to institutional records • Confidentiality - Identity & data cannot be disclosed

Question 32

Quantitive data

Answer 32

Data which can be measured.

Question 33

Qualitative data

Answer 33

deals with descriptions