chapter 13 Flashcards
What is a quasi-experiment?
A quasi-experiment is similar to a regular experiment except that the researchers do not have full control (instead of manipulating variables, they’re naturally occurring groups.)
What are some of the threats to internal validity in a quasi-experiment?
Selection effects ; design confounds ; maturation threats ; history threats.
Give an example of selection effects in a quasi-experiment.
In the case of organ donation in different nations, we can’t exactly claim that the consent policies are the elements causing a difference. Selection effect plays its role here because of the inherent differences between all these countries.
Give an example of design confounds in a quasi-experiment.
If the adult models in the baby study had accidentally exhibited more cheerful attitudes in the effort than the no-effort condition, the study would have a design confound because the second variable (model’s cheerfulness) would have systematically varied along with the independent variable (effort versus no effort)
Give an example of maturation threats in a quasi-experiment.
In the case of cosmetic surgery, some people choose to not go through with the surgery after the consult. We can assign part of this to maturation threat; self-esteem and confidence change over time.
Give an example of history threats in a quasi-experiment.
In the case of suicide rates following 13 reasons why, there may have been a significant historical event that took place during the same time as the show.
What is regression to the mean? How could regression to the mean play its part in quasi-experiments?
Regression to the mean occurs when an extreme outcome is caused by a combination of random factors that are unlikely to happen in the same combination again, so the extreme outcome gets less extreme over time.
In the case of cosmetic surgery, although not the best example, it is possible that the people who decided to proceed with the surgery had especially low self-esteem at the time.
How could attrition threat play its part in quasi-experiments?
In the case of cosmetic surgery, it is possible that those who dropped out are those who already had lower self-esteem, thus when looking at how people’s self-image improved following the surgery, those who proceeded may already be satisfied and happy.
How would observer bias play a role in quasi-experiments?
We can ask ourselves; who’s asking participants how attractive they’re feeling? Are participants responding differently depending on who’s asking?
True or False : External validity is especially strong in quasi-experiments.
True : Most of the quasi-experiments are measuring the population, increasing external validity.
True or False : A lot of these quasi-experiment studies would be impossible to undertake using an experiment.
True : Quasi-experiments allow us to ethically conduct research. It would be unethical to force people to get cosmetic surgery for example.
Compare quasi-experiments and correlational studies (similarities and differences).
Similarities : Both may use independent-groups designs; neither use random assignment; neither use manipulated variables.
Differences : In quasi-experiments, researchers tend to select their samples more intentionally, targetting groups with particular qualities, target a certain time period or seek out comparison groups. Quasi-experiments involve some type of intervention (with a naturally occuring policy) while correlational studies just observe the participants.
Compare quasi-independent variables and participant variables.
Participant variables are intended to document similarities and differences due to social identities.
Quasi-independent variables focus less on individual differences and more on potential interventions such as laws, media exposure or education.
True or False : In a small-N design, external validity is very strong, while internal validity is very limited.
False : Due to its small sample size, there is not much room for generalizability, but it’s great for internal validity.
