Measuring development (W2, L1) Flashcards
What is a characteristic of being a scientist?
Being a scientist is like being an artist, detective, and lawyer.
What does an artist do in the context of science?
Makes connections, thinks creatively, studies the greats, masters techniques.
What is a detective’s role in scientific research?
Has all the facts, is aware of self biases, evaluates source reliability, provides context.
What is a lawyer’s responsibility in the scientific method?
Makes the case airtight, minimizes bias.
What technique is used for data collection through self-report?
Questionnaire.
What are the strengths of using questionnaires?
- Large groups
- Cost efficient
- Lots of data
What are the limitations of questionnaires?
- Infants and young children
- Language difficulties
- Age-appropriate questions
- Self-presentation concerns
What are the 2 types of behavioural observation?
Naturalistic Observation & Structured Observation
Naturalistic Observation: Observing behaviour in natural settings (e.g.,
at home or at school)
Structured Observation: Creating special conditions to elicit behaviours of
interest
What are the strengths of behavioral observation?
Reflects behavior in the real world.
What are the limitations of behavioral observation?
- Difficult to identify causation
- Observations can be biased
- May behave differently when observed
What are structured observations?
A data collection technique with more control and direct comparison between subjects.
What is a limitation of structured observations?
Can’t guarantee behavior in controlled settings will reflect behavior in natural settings.
What are neural, physiological, and biological measures?
Neural: brain scan, EEG, fMRI.
Physiological: electrodermal, heart rate.
Biological: Corisol level, herat rate.
What are the strengths of neural measures?
- Hard to fake
- Doesn’t require language
What is a limitation of neural measures?
Can be difficult to interpret.
What is a case study?
An in-depth study about a person, group, or unit aimed to be generalized.
What are the strengths of case studies?
- Complex in-depth information
- Showcases Rare aspects of development
What are the limitations of case studies?
- Hard to generalize
- Difficult to find comparison groups
What is a correlation study?
Studies the relationship between two or more variables.
What are the strengths of correlation studies?
- Used when unethical to manipulate variables
- Allows multiple factors to be measured
What are the limitations of correlation studies?
- Correlation does not imply causation
- Directionality problem
- Third variable problem
What is an experiment in research?
Researchers manipulate one or more variables to observe effects.
What are the strengths of experiments?
- Establish cause and effect
- Can be very controlled
What are the limitations of experiments?
- Can’t always be generalized
- Ethical concerns with interventions
What is a meta-analysis?
Combining independent studies to detect effects.
What are the strengths of meta-analysis?
- Detects effects missed in individual studies
- No need to wait for participants to age
What are the limitations of meta-analysis?
- Differences might not be due to age
- File drawer problem
What is a cross-sectional research design?
Assessing different cohorts of people at the same age.
What does cross-sectional research describe?
Assessing different cohorts of people at the same age (10 year olds in 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020)
What is a longitudinal research design?
Assessing the same group of individuals over a long period.
What does longitudinal research describe?
Age changes.
What is a sequential research design?
Combining cross-sectional and longitudinal designs.
What does sequential research describe?
Combining cross-sectional and longitudinal. Age differences and changes.
