methodology

Question 1

identify and explain differences between correlational and experimental study designs, including conclusions that may be drawn from each, strenths/limits

Answer 1

• correlational: examining associations among variables
• determine relationships between things
  -limits: third-variable problem, direction of causation
• experimental: random assignment to conditions, manipulate variables
  -only method that establishes casual connections
  -many things cannot be examined experimentally

Question 2

describe several specific study designs used to understand adolescent development, and identify them in hypothetical research settings
-cross sectional
-longitudinal
-RCTs
-meta analysis
-cross-sequential
-behavioral genetic

Answer 2

• cross sectional: a single point in time
• do men and women differ in level of depression?
• longitudinal: follow participants over time to examine change
• does depression predict subsequent changes in academic achievement?
• randomized control trials: randomly assign people to treatment and control groups
• does this bullying intervention work?
• meta analysis: statistical procedure for combining research findings across studies
• cross-sequential: multiple groups over time
• behavioral genetic: roles of genes and environments
  -family or twin studies

Question 3

describe various ethical issues pertaining to research on adolescents specifically

Answer 3

• do no harm
• at-risk population
• informed assent
• parental consent
• appropriateness of measures and incentive
• confidentiality