Chapter 3

Question 1

adoption studies

Answer 1

In genetics research, the study of first-degree relatives in different families and environments. If they share common characteristics, such as a disorder, this finding suggests that those characteristics have a genetic component.

Question 2

analog model

Answer 2

Approach to research that employs subjects who are similar to clinical clients, allowing replication of a clinical problem under controlled conditions.

Question 3

association studies

Answer 3

Research strategy for comparing genetic markers in groups of people with and without a particular disorder.

Question 4

baseline

Answer 4

Measured rate of a behavior before introduction of an intervention that allows comparison and assessment of the effects of the intervention.

Question 5

behavioral assessment

Answer 5

Measuring, observing, and systematically evaluating (rather than inferring) the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior in the actual problem situation or context.

Question 6

case study method

Answer 6

Research procedure in which a single person or small group os studied in detail. The method does not allow conclusions about the cause-and-effect relationships, and findings can be generalized only with great caution (contrast with single-case experimental design).

Question 7

classical categorical approach

Answer 7

classification method founded on the assumption of clear-cut differences among disorders, each with a different known cause. Also known as pure categorical approach.

Question 8

classification

Answer 8

Assignment of objects or people to categories on the basis of shared characteristics.

Question 9

clinical assessment

Answer 9

Systematic evaluation and measurement of psychological, biological, and social factors in a person presenting with a possible psychological disorder.

Question 10

clinical significance

Answer 10

Degree to which research findings have useful and meaningful applications to real problems

Question 11

cohort

Answer 11

participants in each age group of a study with a cross-sectional design

Question 12

cohort effect

Answer 12

observation that people of different age groups differ in their values and experiences

Question 13

comorbidity

Answer 13

presence of two or more disorders in an individual at the same time.

Question 14

comparative treatment research

Answer 14

outcome research that contrasts two or more treatment methods to determine which is more effective.

Question 15

confound

Answer 15

Any factor occurring in a study that makes the results uninterpretable because its effects cannot be separated from those of the variables being studied.

Question 16

confounding variable

Answer 16

variable in a research study that was not part of the intended design and that may contribute to changes in the dependent variable.

Question 17

control group

Answer 17

Group individuals in a study who are similar to the experimental subjects in every way but are not exposed to the treatment received by the experimental group. Their presence allows for a comparison of the differential effects of the treatment.

Question 18

correlation

Answer 18

Degree to which two variables are associated. In a positive correlation, the two variables increase or decrease together. In a negative correlation, one variable decreases as the other increases.

Question 19

correlation coefficient

Answer 19

Computed statistic reflecting the strength and direction of any association between two variables. It can range from 21.00 through 0.00 (indicating no association) to 11.00, with the absolute value indicating the strength and the sign reflecting the direction.

Question 20

cross-generational effect

Answer 20

Limit on the generalizability of longitudinal research because the group under study may differ from others in culture and experience.

Question 21

cross-sectional design

Answer 21

methodology to examine a characteristic by comparing individuals of different ages (contrast with longitudinal design.)

Question 22

dependent variable

Answer 22

In an experimental study, the phenomenon that is measured and expected to be influenced (compare with independent variable).

Question 23

diagnosis

Answer 23

process of determining whether a presenting problem meets the established criteria for a specific psychological disorder

Question 24

dimensional approach

Answer 24

method of categorizing characteristics on a continuum rather than on a binary, either-or, all-or-none basis.

Question 25

directionality

Answer 25

Possibility that when two variables, A and B, are correlated variable A causes variable B or variable B causes variable A.

Question 26

double-blind control

Answer 26

Procedure in outcome research that prevents bias by ensuring that neither the subjects not the providers of the experimental treatment know who is receiving treatment and who is receiving a placebo.

Question 27

effect size

Answer 27

A statistical process that eliminates how large a change in measure occurred. Often used before and after a clinical treatment to determine its relative success.

Question 28

electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 28

Measure of electrical activity patterns in the brain, taken through electrodes placed on the scalp.

Question 29

epidemiology

Answer 29

psychopathology research method examining the prevalence, distribution, and consequences of disorders in populations.

Question 30

experiment

Answer 30

Research method that can establish causation by manipulating the variables in question and controlling for alternative explanations of any observed effects.

Question 31

external validity

Answer 31

extent to which research findings generalize, or apply, to the people and settings not involved in the study.