chapter 9

Question 1

What is a multivariate design?

Answer 1

A multivariate design involves more than 2 measured variables and allows us to control for different confounds and brings us closer to causality.

Question 2

True or False : Using multiple variables gets us a bit closer to establishing causation.

Answer 2

True.

Question 3

Within a multivariate design, we may see 2 things to help establish causation – what are they and which causal criteria do they each establish?

Answer 3

1. Longitudinal designs help address temporal precedence
2. Multiple regression analyses help address internal validity

Question 4

What is a multiple-regression (multivariate regression) analyses?

Answer 4

It is a statistical technique that computes the relationship between a predictor variable (the thing we controlled for) and a criterion variable, controlling for other predictor variables.

Question 5

What are the 3 types of longitudinal correlation designs?

Answer 5

1. Cross-section correlations
2. Autocorrelations
3. Cross-lag correlations

Question 6

What is a cross-sectional correlation? Give an example

Answer 6

A cross-sectional correlation shows the relation between the 2 variables over time and whether or not the relation strengthens. Establishes if 2 variables are related at one time.

Question 7

What is an autocorrelation? Give an example

Answer 7

An autocorrelation looks at the relation of a single variable with itself over time – looks at the stability of the variable.

Question 8

What is a cross-lag correlation? Give an example

Answer 8

A cross-lag correlation looks at the relation of one variable at time 1, with the second variable at time 2. It helps us get a sense of temporal precedence.

Question 9

Instead of correlation research, why not just do an experiment?

Answer 9

We do correlation research because some variables can not be manipulated and some aspects of the research would be unethical.

Question 10

True or False : By using a multivariate design, we can evaluate the correlation between 2 variables while controlling for third variables.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

What are the two types of variables in a multiple-regression analyses?

Answer 11

Criterion/outcome variables : dependant variables
Predictor variables : Independent variables

Question 12

What is beta? What is it used for?

Answer 12

Beta is the measure of effect size. Betas denote the direction and strength of a relationship.
Positive beta : positive relationship
Negative beta : negative relationship
Beta near 0 or 0 : no relationship
High beta : strong relationship
Low beta : weak relationship

Question 13

True or False : Multiple regression is a foolproof way to rule out all kinds of third variables.

Answer 13

False – they can not always establish temporal precedence ; some other variables that were not measured may be taking part in the relation.

Question 14

What is parsimony?

Answer 14

Parsimony is the idea of simplicity – explaining a phenomenon is the simplest manner.

Question 15

What is a pattern?

Answer 15

A pattern is when multiple studies point to the same conclusion.

Question 16

True or False : Journalists do not always fairly represent pattern and parsimony.

Answer 16

True : When journalists report only one study at a time, they are selectively presenting only part of the scientific process.

Question 17

What is a mediator? What is the cycle of mediation?

Answer 17

A mediator is a variable that helps explain the relationship between two other variables.
A is related to B because A is related to C, which is related to B.
–> p.ex : Amount of deep talk is related to well-being, because the amount of deep talk enhances quality of social ties which in turn, enhances well-being.

Question 18

How are mediators and third variables similar?

Answer 18

Both involve multivariate research designs and both can be detected using multiple regression.

Question 19

How can we differentiate mediators and third variables?

Answer 19

Third variables are external to the bivariate correlation (problematic) while mediators are internal to the causal variable (not problematic).

Question 20

What is a moderator? What is the process behind moderation?

Answer 20

A moderator is a variable that, depending on its level, changes the relationship between two other variables.
A is related to B for one type of C but not for the other type of C. Example : Viewing violent TV is related to aggressive behaviour when there is no parental discussion but not when there is parent discussion. An “it depends” relation.

Question 21

True or False : Mediation hypothesis are causal statements.

Answer 21

True.

Question 22

True or False : Mediators do not specify a time sequence for the three variables (i.e : temporal precedence).

Answer 22

False.

Question 23

What does it mean to say that mediators are a “mechanism”?

Answer 23

It means it is an interesting, measurable reason for the original relationship.

Question 24

What is multiple regression?

Answer 24

A statistical technique that involves multiple variables allowing to control for potential third variables. A means for dealing with third variable problems.