Non-Experimental Methods 1 Flashcards
Why would we conduct non-manipulation studies?
They are very generizable (high external validity), naturalistic research settings, manipulation not possible/practical/ethical, establishing that an association exists, comparing size of associations, prediction and selection, temporal change.
What are some types of descriptive studies?
Archival research, case studies, observational technique (naturalistic and participant observation, clinical perspective).
What is archival research?
Using data that has been previously recorded-old documents, historical records, data already collected.
What is one example of archival research looked at in class?
Does eye colour predict alcohol use? Old study shows that people with light coloured eyes drink more.
What is the NICHD dataset?
Huge database archiving over 250 000 kids that they followed from infancy to adulthood-they are still being tracked. Has generated a massive archival set for generation of new studies. Asked if you have a child, are tehy better off at home with you, or at a daycare (either small, informal or big formal care).
What were the results found in the NICHD Dataset?
What matters for children is quality of care, length that they’re at the daycare, and happiness of parents. Verbal IQ was shown to be higher in daycare kids and they are also more aggressive.
What are some issues with archival research?
May not have knowledge of characteristics of sample- limits generalization
May have missing data values
Data may not be ideal to research question
Cannot show cause-and-effect.
What are case studies?
Collecting detailed information about the behaviour of a single individual
What are some examples of case studies?
Wild boy of Averyon (asked whether there was a critical period for language), Genie, Phineas Gage.
What are some limitations of case studies?
Generalization (N=1), precludes cause and effect statements.
What is naturalistic observation?
Observing real-world behaviours unobtrusively.
What was an example of naturalistic observation?
What factors effect who cares for kids in public? Researchers observed pedestrian traffic and watched for families, and coded gender of primary caregiver, gender of child, estimated age, and ethnicity. Results: Men were more likely to care for the child when it was the same gender, caucasian, and older.
What is participant observation?
When the observer embeds himself within the group being studied.
What is an example of participant observation?
Prophecy from Planet Clarion Study- man basically put himself into this cult that thought the world was ending and aliens would save them… the UFO never came and neither did the flood, so instead of accepting defeat they made a new prophecy.
What is the clinical perspective?
Descriptive approach aimed at understanding and correcting a particular behavioural problem.
