1.3 Flashcards
how do developmentalists answer their questions?
through the scientific method
scientific method
process of posing n answering questions using careful, controlled techniques that include systematic, orderly observation n the collection of data
what are the 3 major steps of the scientific method
identify questions of interest
formulate explanation
carry out research
hypothesis
prediction stated in a way that permits testing
theory
broad explanations n predictions about phenomena of interest
what is needed to make a hypothesis?
a theory
what are the two types of research strategies?
correlational research
experimental research
correlational research
research that seeks to identify whether an association/relationship between two factors exists
experimental research
research designed to discover causal relationships between various factors
why can’t we use experimental research to answer all our questions?
bc it can be unethical in some situations
can you use correlational data to conclude anything?
no
types of correlational studies
naturalistic observation
case studies
survey research
naturalistic observation
observing something in its natural environment w/o interfering
drawback of naturalistic observation
researchers can exert no control over factors of interest, there may not be enough instances of the behavior they’re interested in
ppl who know they’re being watched might adjust their behavior
ethanography
understanding a cultures values and attitudes through careful extended examination
often employed in naturalistic observation
case studies
extensive in depth interview w individual/ group of individuals
can be used to draw tentative conclusions that might apply to others
diaries
participants r assumed to keep record of their behavior
survey research
group of ppl chosen to represent some larger population r asked questions about their attitudes, behavior, or thinking on a given topic
psychophysiological methods
research that focuses on the relationship between physiological processes n behavior
what are the most frequently used psychophysiological methods
EEG
fMRI
EEG
Electroencephalogram
records electrical activity in brain
used to diagnose epilepsy n learning disabilities
fMRI
uses magnetic field to generate 3D image of brain activity
experiment
process in which an experimenter devises two diff experiences for participants
treatment/experimental group
is exposed to the treatment variable being studied
control group
is not exposed to the treatment variable being studied
independent variable
variable that researchers manipulate in an experiment
dependant variable
variable that researchers measure and expect to change as a result of experimental manipulation
T/F after completing an experiment, you can come to a conclusion
false
it must be replicated/repeated first
meta analysis
combining results of many studies into an overall conclusion
sample
the group of participants chosen for the experiment
field study
research carried out in the natural setting
lab study
research carried out in a controlled setting
T/F field studies can only be used in correlational studies
false
can be used in experiments
theoretical research
designed to test some developmental explanation and expand scientific knowledge
applied research
meant to provide practical solutions to immediate problems
what are the 3 major research strategies to measure developmental change
longitudinal
cross sectional
sequential
longitudinal studies
behav of one cohort is measured as they age
measures change over time
drawbacks of longitudinal
time investment
participants can drop out
participants can become test wise
cross sectional research
looking at several cohorts at the same point in time
drawbacks of cross sectional
differences could be cohort differences, not age differences
sequential studies
longitudinal + cross sectional
several cohorts over time
ethical research principles
1) protect participants from harm
2) obtain informed consent
3) deception must be justified n not cause harm
4) maintain participant privacy
