Quasi and Correlational Research Flashcards
Lecture overview
- Asking empirical questions
- Goals & values in psychological research
- Quasi-experimental designs
- Correlational designs
- Goals & values redux
What is introspection
Introspection is one of the
oldest forms of psychological
research.
Introspection is a way of
observing yourself.
At the beginning of the 20th century, researchers used introspection to describe the construct of attention.
What is determinism
- Determinism is the assumption that all events
have causes. - Identifying causality involves covariation,
temporal order, and control of other factors.
What is empiricism
- Empiricism is the process of learning things
through direct observation or experience and
reflection on those experiences. - Empirical questions can be answered by
making observations. - Psychologists place a higher value on empirical
questions that can be addressed with
objective and systematic observations.
What are 4 goals of psychological research?
Explanation
Description
Prediction
Application
Values of psychological research: subjectivity vs objectivity
It is a spectrum
Experimental research vs correlational research
In 1957 APA President
Lee Cronbach described
psychology as consisting
of two disciplines.
Experimental research
(manipulated variables)
Correlational research
(subject variables)
What are quasi-experimental designs and what do they involve?
- Like experimental designs, quasi-experimental
designs contain a manipulated variable (IV)
and a DV. - Like correlational research, quasi-
experimental designs also contain a subject
variable or quasi-independent variable. - Participants cannot be randomly assigned to a
quasi-independent variable.
More on quasi-experimental designs
- The lack of random assignment in quasi-
experimental designs means we need to be more
cautious about causal inferences. - In true experimental designs, assuming no
confounds, we can infer that IV causes DV. - In quasi-experimental designs, groups may differ
in several ways, so IV cannot be said to cause
DV. - Quasi-experiments require the same processes of
critical thinking required by randomized
experiments
– Choosing independent & dependent variables wisely
– Identifying useful populations & settings to study
– Ensuring assumptions of statistical tests are met
– Thinking about validity & generalisation - Quasi-experiments require an extra task – critical
thinking about confounds & other problems that
might result from the lack of random assignment
What are correlational designs and what do they involve?
- Correlational designs involve two or more
variables that you cannot manipulate
experimentally. - A correlation is also a statistical technique used
to determine the degree to which two variables
are related. - Not all correlational research designs reports
correlations in their statistical tests. So the test
is not the identifier of the design.
Correlation and causation
To accurately interpret the results of correlational
research, we need to consider two problems.
Direction of causation problem: a correlation does
not indicate which variable is the cause and which
is the effect.
Third variable problem: the correlation between
two variables may be the result of some third,
unspecified variable.
Say a bit about observational methods
- Observational methods yield rich descriptions
of behaviour. - Observational methods involve some
interpretation or judgment by observers and
are therefore prone to bias. - Observational methods also lack control in
comparison to experimental methods.
Mention a bit about observation in correlational research
Talk about survey methods
- A survey is a descriptive method in which
participants are asked a series of questions
or given statements to rate. - Survey methods can measure almost
anything that can be observed, evaluated &
reported accurately. - Survey methods can be especially useful for
measuring psychological dimensions that are
difficult to induce or observe, including
attitudes, beliefs & behaviours.
Shared methods variance
- Whenever we use the same method to
evaluate multiple variables, the values for
each variable will contain some variance from
method & some variance from the variable - The best way to avoid shared method variance
is through multiple methods and/or multiple
informants – known as converging methods
Is psychology two disciplines?
Psychology can draw on
the two disciplines (of
experimental &
observational research)
to address a broader
range of questions & at
the same time maximise
the validity & reliability
of our research.
Summary of the lecture
Psychological research includes diverse
goals & values.
We use a range of methods to address
those goals & values.
Every method has risks – as researchers we
have a responsibility to evaluate & address
those risks.
Fundamentals of measurement
Validity: refers to the
accuracy of research
Reliability: refers to the
consistency of research
Talk a bit about manipulated variables
- Experimental research
always involves a
manipulated variable - Determined by the
research question and
design choices - Also called
experimental factor or
independent variable
A bit about subjective variables
- Correlational research
focuses on subject
variables that vary
across individuals and
situations. - Attributes that pre-
exist the study or
attributes that occur
naturally during the
study - Examples: age, sex,
socioeconomic status,
phone use, gaming
Overview of the lecture
Psychological research includes diverse
goals & values.
We use a range of methods to address
those goals & values.
Every method has risks – as researchers we
have a responsibility to evaluate & address
those risks.
