Random stuff from textbook Flashcards
Define replication.
Replication refers to the process whereby a study is repeated in a way that is as close to the original as possible with the prediction that the same results will be produced as those found in the original study.
A direct replication will match the original study almost identically (but the participants will differ, the building will differ, the experimenter will differ, etc. – but these are sources of variance which should be negligible if an effect is strong). A ‘conceptual’ replication will reproduce the conditions of the original experiment only loosely – various parts of the methodology might differ, for example, or there may be the addition of different types of group.
Define validity.
Validity is the degree to which an operational definition produces a particular value of an independent variable or measures the value of a dependent variable.
Define reliability.
Reliability refers to the consistency and precision of an operational definition.
Researchers achieve high reliability by carefully controlling the conditions of their studies and by ensuring that procedures are followed correctly. Measurement involving subjectivity requires researchers to seek high inter-rater reliability.
When would you use a single-blind procedure and when would you use a double-blind procedure?
If knowledge of the experimental condition could alter the participants’ behaviour, the experiment should be conducted with a single-blind procedure (where the participant is unaware of the condition they are in). If that knowledge might also alter the experimenter’s assessment of the participants’ behaviour, a double-blind procedure should be used (where the participant and experimenter are unaware of the condition that the participant is in).
Describe correlational studies.
Correlational studies involve assessing relations among variables that the researcher cannot readily manipulate, such as personality characteristics, age and sex. The investigator attempts to hold these variables constant by matching members in each of the groups on all relevant variables except for the one being studied. Correlational studies cannot determine which variable is the cause and which is the effect.
Describe single-subject research and case studies.
Single-subject research consists of the detailed observation of individual participants under different conditions.
Case studies involve careful observations of the behaviour of specific people, such as those with psychological or neurological disorders.
What is qualitative analysis?
Qualitative analysis involves the examination of individuals’ expression of ideas, thoughts and feelings and is usually based on transcripts of discussion between individuals or between the experimenter and an individual/individuals.
