Lecture 4D: Non-experimental Studies Flashcards
What is a non-experimental study design?
A study design where no intervention is provided and data are collected as they naturally exist.
Also called observational research.
What are the two types of observational research according to study design?
- Longitudinal design
- Cross-sectional design
What is a longitudinal design?
A study that follows a cohort of subjects over time with periodic measurements from the same individuals.
What is a cross-sectional design?
A study where data is collected at one point in time, measuring each variable only once for each subject.
What is the primary advantage of longitudinal design?
Ability to record the actual change in the same individuals over time.
What are some disadvantages of longitudinal design?
- Time consuming
- More expensive
- Threats to internal validity (e.g., testing effects, history, attrition)
What are some advantages of cross-sectional design?
- Easy and less time consuming
- Not influenced by testing
- Not influenced by history
What are disadvantages of cross-sectional design?
Cannot examine actual change in characteristics in the same individuals.
What are cohort effects?
Effects due to a subject’s generation or time of birth, which may not be age-specific.
What are the two types of observational research according to purpose?
- Descriptive studies
- Exploratory studies
What is descriptive research?
Research that documents or describes conditions, attitudes, or characteristics of individuals without testing a hypothesis.
What are normative studies?
Studies that describe typical or standard values for characteristics of a given population.
What is exploratory research?
A systematic investigation of relationships among two or more variables, often involving hypothesis testing.
What are correlational studies (a type of exploratory research)?
Studies that examine relationships between two or more variables of interest.
What are comparative studies (a type of exploratory research)?
Studies that compare variable(s) of interest between different groups or different times.
What is a limitation of exploratory studies?
Cannot study cause and effect.
What is a common misconception in exploratory studies?
Correlations found do not imply causation.
Fill in the blank: A _______ design collects data at one point in time.
cross-sectional
Fill in the blank: A _______ design follows a cohort over time.
longitudinal
What is the objective of longitudinal design in the context of aging?
To study specific patterns of change with age.
What is an example of descriptive research?
Determining the normative value of gait velocity for children at age 12.
What is an example of exploratory research?
Investigating the relationship between leg muscle strength and balance.
What is a potential confounding factor in exploratory studies?
Other factors that may explain the correlation between two variables.
