Chapter 2: Meanings

Question 1

Hypothesis versus research question

Answer 1

hypothesis is a statement that seeks to answer the research question. A research question test the correlation between two things. Hypothesis: higher levels of aggression will be associated with higher levels of peer rejection. Research question: Does child aggression relate to rejection by peers

Question 2

Reliability

Answer 2

A study that yields consistent results over time and across observers

Question 3

Validity

Answer 3

A study accurately reflects what the researchers wanted to measure

Question 4

Correlation

Answer 4

Meaning: to determine if two or more variables are systematically related
Limitations: Evidence of relationship does not prove causality (Summer time drownings and ice cream sales)

Question 5

Correlation coefficients

Answer 5

-1.00<= +1.00

Strength and direction of relationship

Question 6

Event sampling

Answer 6

observe participants for a set amount of time and move on ( 10 minutes with one child)

Question 7

Time sampling

Answer 7

Obeserve participants repeatedly for a short amount of time over a long period of time (10 second increments for 3 hrs)

Question 8

Advantages and limitations of experimental designs (e.g., laboratory experiments, field 
experiments) and how to set them up most effectively

Answer 8

Advantages: provides causation
Limitations: often are contrived and artificial
How to set them up: random assignment

Question 9

Problems in conducting longitudinal research (e.g., practice effects, biased sampling, 
selective attrition, and cohort effects)

Answer 9

Practice effects: participants get better because the have had practice
Biased sampling: having a biased sample selection
Selective attrition: participants are likely to drop out and the ones who remain will most likely differ in important ways from those who dropped out
Cohort effects: results may not be applicable to other populations

Question 10

Independent variable

Answer 10

researcher expects to remain the same and cause change in other variables

Question 11

Dependent variable

Answer 11

Researcher expects it to change and be influenced by independent variable

Question 12

Cross sectional

Answer 12

studying one group of people at one specific time (survey)
Advantages: more efficient than longitudinal design and avoid selective attrition, practice effects
Disadvantages: does not allow for study of the individual.

Question 13

Longitudinal study

Answer 13

researcher studies same group of people for a long period of time.
Advantages: allows for study of patterns and individuals
Disadvantages:Biased sampling, selective attrition,

Question 14

Sequential

Answer 14

researcher combines several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies— same aged people at different years or different age people on same years
Advantages: tracking of age-related changes. longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons
Disadvantages: Same problems as cross-sectional and longitudinal studies but the design helps identify difficuties

Question 15

Children’s research rights

Answer 15

Protection from harm
informed consent
privacy
knowledge of results
beneficial treatments

Question 16

Protection from harm

Answer 16

Children have the right to be protected from physical and psychological harm. If the study is questionable the researcher should seek the opinion of others

Question 17

Informed consent

Answer 17

All participants have the right to have the means of the study explained to them. when children are involved, informed consent of parents should also be obtained. Children or participants in general have the right to discontinue participation at anytime during the study

Question 18

privacy

Answer 18

children have the right to the concealment of their identity on all information collected in the study. applies to written reports

Question 19

Immigrant youths: adapting to a New Land

Answer 19

foreign children often achieve as well as or better than native-born children
they are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol or have early sex
have high self-esteem
parents expect much and are “giving this opportunity to the child” So children work very hard. Parents what their children to improve their chances
less likely to be obese

Question 20

Do musical experiences enhance intelligence

Answer 20

one small study suggested that there might be a correlation between listening to classical music and test scores but it was never replicated.
experiments have failed to demonstrate any intellectual gains from listening to classical music.
if researchers wanted this kind of information they would need long lasting intervention and children’s active participation.
large study by schellenberg showed that practice some form of art (piano, drama, singing) increased intelligence slightly among 6 year olds compared to 6 year olds who did not practice or take lessons in these areas