Task 2. Research types & measures Flashcards
(35 cards)
1
Q
Factors to consider when choosing your variables for your study
A
- Research Tradition -> if topic follows a previous one, you can choose the same variables
- Theory -> your P.O.V may influence your chosen variable
- Availability of new Techniques -> use new methods to investigate unknown variables
- Availability for Equipment
2
Q
Reliability
A
- ability of a measure to repeatedly produce similar results
3
Q
Interrater reliability
(Pearson r)
A
- statistical measure for establishing degree of agreements amongst observers (when - — measure consists of judgements or rating of multiple observers)
4
Q
Test-retest reliability
A
- repeat the same test twice, long break in-between and given to the same individuals, proves stable traits
5
Q
Parallel-forms reliability
A
- same as test-retest, except the forms are not exactly the same, but equivalent (prevent recall)
6
Q
Split-half reliability
A
- both parallel forms are put together in one test and done in the same sitting
7
Q
Accuracy
A
- produces results that agree with an established standard
8
Q
Validity
A
DOES THE MEASURE MEASURE WHAT ITS SUPPOSED TO MEASURE!
9
Q
Face validity
A
- the extent to how well a measurement APPEARS to measure what its designed to measure
10
Q
Content validity
A
- how well does the measure cover the entire topic
11
Q
Construct validity
A
- measure that accurately measures an abstract construct (non-measurable variable)
12
Q
Criterion validity & subtypes
(concurrent & predictive)
A
- how well a test score measures an individuals value on some criterion
- concurrent (own test & criterion measured at the same time)
- predictive (own test predicting a later standard)
13
Q
Adequacy of a dependent measure
A
- sensitivity: some measures may be insensitive to manipulation, whereas others show an effect
- range effects: occurs when a variable has an upper/lower limit (FLOOR & CEILING)
14
Q
Behavioural measures
(dependent variable)
A
- recording the behaviour of the subjects while exposing to different situations, etc., offers no insight into causality
- frequency: # of occurrences over t
- latency: amount of t it takes to respond
- # of errors
15
Q
Physiological measures
(dependent variable)
A
- monitoring bodily functions (heart rate, brain waves, etc.)
16
Q
Self-report measures
Advantages & Disadvantages?
A
- variety of forms where participants self-report
- Likert Scale, Rating scale (0-5/10), Q-sort methodology (qualitative measurement, establishing evaluating categories & sorting them)
+ -> a lot of info, combine w/ other measures - -> open-ended tedious to analyze, socially desirable answering, truthfulness, reliability of memory, no ecological validity
17
Q
Implicit measures (IAT)
A
Implicit Association Test - rapid testing, put of conscious control
18
Q
Demand characteristics
(performance cues, role attitude, preexisting attitude)
A
- cues provided by the researchers about the purpose of the study and expected behaviour
- performance cues: participant formulates a hypothesis on what the idea is about -> influence behaviour
- role attitude cues: participant get cues on how theyre supposed to behave
- preexisting attitudes: cooperative or apprehensive or negative
19
Q
Experimenter bias
( +expectancy effects
+reducing the bias )
A
- experimenter can unintentionally influence participant (e.g. gestures, mimic, clothes, etc.)
- expectancy effects: researchers preconcieved ideas about how participants should behave are subtly communicated to subject, and in turn affect the participants behaviour
- SOLUTION: single- or double-blind, automatizing the experiment
20
Q
Manipulation check (of a dependent variable)
A
- tests whether or not independent variable had the intended effect on the participant or not
21
Q
Behavioural categories
(observational research)
A
general and specific categories of behaviour you are interested in observing
22
Q
Methods for quantifying behaviour
(observational research)
A
- frequency: # of times a behaviour occurs within a period
- duration: how long a behaviour lasts
- intervals: dividing observation into time intervals
23
Q
Methods of coding behaviour
(observational research)
A
- paper-and-pencil
- audio recorder
24
Q
Observer bias
->solution?
A
- occurs when observers know the goal of the study or the hypotheses you are testing & their observations are influenced by this info
- SOLUTION: blind observers
25
Quantitative data
- counting/quantifying data of behaviour (rating scales)
+ -> wide range of statistical tests available
26
Qualitative data
- written records of observed data that are analyzed statistically
- -> large amounts of data, needs specialized computers to analyze the data
27
Quantitative vs qualitative?
both.
28
Naturalistic observation
(definition, advantages & disadvantages)
- observing subjects in their natural habitat; nonexperimental
+ -> good insight into behaviour, extremely high external validity
- -> time consuming & expensive, no insight into underlying causes
29
Unobtrusive observation
(observational research, nonexperimental)
observations that dont alter the natural behaviours of the subject (e.g. you hiding from view)
30
Etnography
(observational research, nonexperimental)
- participant/nonparticipant; overt or covert
- researcher becomes immersed in the behavioural/social system of the studied group
- used to study cultures, "undercover agent"
- overt (participants know)
- covert (unobtrusive)
31
Sociometry & Sociogram
(observational research, nonexperimental)
- identifying & measuring interpersonal relationships in a group
- sociogram: graphic representation of the results (measured interpersonal relationships)
32
Case history
(observational, nonexperimental)
- descriptive technique of studying (observing) one or more previous cases and reporting on them
33
Archival research
(observational, nonexperimental)
- studying existing records with a specific question in mind
34
Kinds of questionnaire items
- open-ended: respond in own words, highly accurate
- restricted: both positive &negative, short, mutually exclusive
- partially open-ended: similar to restricted + added "other: " category
- rating scales
35
6 ways of administering questionnaires
- mail survey
- internet survey
- telephone survey
- group administered survey
- face-to-face interview
- mixed-mode
