Personality Research Methods Pt. 2 Flashcards
What is a correlation coefficient (r)
A statistical test used to understand the relationship between two variables, ranging from +1.00 to -1.00, where zero means no correlation
What does the sign (+/-) of a correlation coefficient indicate?
The direction of the relationship between the two variable
What does a correlation coefficient closer to the extremes (+1.00 or -1.00) indicate?
A stronger relationship between the two variables
What is considered a “weak” correlation coefficient?
+/- .01 to +/- .20
What is the range for a “moderate” correlation coefficient?
+/- .21 to +/- .40
What correlation coefficient range is described as “strong”
+/- .41 to +/- .60
Define “very strong” correlation coefficiens
+/- .61 to +/- .80
What range indicated an “extremely strong” correlation?
+/- .81 to +/- 1.00
What did Walter Mischel’s “personality coefficient” suggest about personality traits and behavior?
Personality traits typically correlate with specific behaviors around r = .20 to .30, which was initially seen as small but later appreciated in context
Give an example of a correlation used in personality research
The relationship between extraversion and happiness, where a study found a significant correlation (r = .50)
What is the coefficient of determination (r^2)?
The proportion of total variation in scores on one variable that is explained by the other variable; calculated by squaring the correlation coefficient
If the correlation between happiness and extraversion is +.50, what is the coefficient of determination (r^2)?
.25, meaning 25% of the variance in happiness is accounted for by extraversion
What are the two methods focused on in personality analysis?
The observation Method and the Z-score Method
What is a personality theory?
A set of related assumptions used to explain observations or facts and to generate testable hypotheses
What is the observation method in personality analysis?
Identifying consistent patterns in thinking, acting, and feeling that reflect dimensions of a person’s personality
What is the Z-score Method in personality analysis?
A statistical method to compare an individual’s score to others to understand their unique personality pattern
What is needed to apply the Z-score Method?
The Raw Score, the Comparison Mean, and the Comparison Standard Deviation
What is the formula for calculating a Z-score?
(Raw Score-Mean)/Standard Deviation
Why transform a raw score to a Z-score
To compare an individual’s score relative to others, providing context to otherwise meaningless raw scores
What does a Z-score of less than -2.00 indicate in intelligence testing?
Intellectually Disabled
What does a Z-score of more than +2.00 indicate in intelligence testing?
very superior intelligence
