Chapter 10: Quasi-Experimental Designs and Applied Research Flashcards
What is the difference between basic and applied research?
Basic research → aims to increase knowledge about human behaviour and mental processes
Applied research → designed primarily to increase our knowledge about a problem with the purpose of solving it
What are the problems one faces in applied research?
- ethical dilemmas about consent and privacy in the field
- higher likelihood of confounding
- often impossible to use random assignment
- not often possible to counterbalance
What is a quasi-experimental design?
when participants are assigned to conditions non-randomly
What is shown in the image?
hypothetical influences of a regression effect when matching is used with nonequivalent groups
What are nonequivalent control group designs used for?
To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment programmes when random assignment.
The statistical comparison is between the change scores for each group, and using matching procedures to reduce nonequivalence reduces internal validity.
What are interrupted time series designs used for?
to evaluate trends → relatively consistent event patterns that occur in time
don’t need to have the same amount of data points before & after treatment
What are the ways to strengthen conclusions from an interrupted time series design?
- use a control group in long-term trend analysis
- use interrupted time series with switching replications: same treatment is applied in two locations at two points in time
- measure several dependent variables that you do and don’t expect to be influenced
What should be done before using archival data?
a content analysis
What are the advantages of using archival data?
- abundance of usable information
- no subject bias
what are the disadvantages of using archival data?
- vital information might be missing
- groups might be underrepresented
- experimenter bias
what is a programme evaluation?
Applied research that attempts to assess the effectiveness and value of public policy or specially designed programmes
What is the process for a programme evaluation?
- determine if programme is needed & who benefits
- assess if programme is run correctly
- evaluate programme outcomes
- cost analysis
What is a needs analysis?
predicts if a specific programme solves a clearly defined problem, if there is a large enough market for the programme, and if that population would use the programme
What are ways to determine if there is a need for a programme?
- census data
- key informants
- focus groups
- community forums
- surveys of available resources
- surveys of potential users
What is the difference between formative and summative evaluations?
Formative evaluations monitor the effectiveness of a programme while it is still running
