approaches to studying psychology Flashcards
scientific method identifies
a cause and effect
personality characteristic?
such as ability to stay calm in a panicked situation
moderator is an
an intervening variable that changes the effect of the IV on the DV.
identify 2 approaches to studying people?
nomothetic – concerned with groups/populations
> idiographic – studying the individual.
nomothetic =
quantitive research methods: numbers/statistical analysis, hypothesis testing.
> the mean of the population – the average person
> reality as objectively measured
> positivism
idiographic =
qualitative research methods : words and discourse, interpretation of meaning
> describing and exploring experience
> each individual constructs their only reality
3 main types of study design used in personality research
1) correlational measuring variables across a (usually large) sample to assess the associations between different personality and other variables.
2) experimental: comparing the impact of an independent variable ( or experimental manipulation) on a dependent (or outcome variable) in two or more groups (eg: intervention group vs control group, between-subjects design) or the same group of participants measured before and after an experimental manipulation.
3) qualitative case study: explores a phenomenon from the experience of the individual. Often exploratory in nature and informing correlational or experimental studies.
validity =
does it measure what its supposed too?
reliability
: consistent measure
> internal reliability
> items that measure the same or similar constructs in different ways
> all in all, i am inclined to feel that I am a failure
> I feel I do not have much to be proud of
test-retest
test same group twice, minimum correlation, 0.7
using qualititve methods……
allows us to describe personality at a population level and apply this to individuals.
qualititve data is
language captures and reflects each individuals experience.
CHECK WEEK 1/2 SLIDES FOR FACTS
PRINT OFF
BODY LANGUAGE
Open posture.
• Non critical and accepting
• Speed and timing of conversation.
• Giving participant time to think and articulate their thoughts.
• Not leaving pauses which are uncomfortably long
• Focus on participant:
• Eye contact.
• Facial expression –interest.
• Repeating or picking up aspects of what the participant has said.
