Research Design Flashcards
Construct
WHAT- Construct refers to a concept or mental representation that individuals use to interpret and organize their experiences. A construct varies individual to individual and is not directly observable but are measured through research methods, self-reports, or behavioral assessments. Constructs are used in counseling to help clients explain their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Constructs like self-esteem, resilience, and anxiety help therapists assess clients’ mental health and create personalized treatment plans.
WHY- Constructs are important because they shape how clients understand themselves and others. Therapist can help clients reframe their maladaptive constructs to lead to positive change
EX- Client with social anxiety might have the construct, “If I speak in public, I will embarrass myself,” which shapes their avoidance of social situations. In therapy, the counselor might work with the client to challenge this construct, and explore alternatives to improve their mental health
Correlational Research
WHAT- Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them; observing natural associations. The correlation coefficient has a range of -1 to 1 that describes the strength and direction of the relationship.
WHY- While correlation does not equal causation, correlational research offers valuable insights for clinicians and helps tailor interventions more effectively
EX- A study might show a positive correlation between social group and improved mental health, suggesting that greater support may enhance therapeutic outcomes
Cross-sectional Design
WHAT- A research method that involves collecting data at a single point in time from individuals or groups who differ in one key characteristic. Factors like age, gender, or socioeconomic status. This design provides a snapshot of a population or phenomenon without manipulating variables or tracking change overtime. Often employed in surveys and clinical assessments
WHY- This design is helpful in therapy and counseling to explore the prevalence of mental health conditions, the relationship between client characteristics, and treatment outcomes
EX- A research project uses a cross-sectional design by comparing the cognitive abilities of different age groups at a single point in time, to examine how cognitive function changes with age, without following the same individuals over time
Criterion-related validity
WHAT- A type of validity in which a test or measure is assessed according to how well it corresponds to other established and valid measures of the same concept. Criterion validity includes concurrent validity (existing criteria) and predictive validity (future outcomes)
WHY- Criterion related validity is important because it helps ensure that tests are measuring what they intend to measure and are consistent with other valid measurements. Psychological tests need to be reliable predictors of behaviors, conditions, or future performance
EX- SAT scores being used in college admissions is an example of criterion-related validity because they correlate with college GPA, suggesting they can predict academic success.
Double blind study
WHAT- Research design in which both the participants and the researchers are unaware of which participants are receiving the treatment and which are receiving the placebo. In counseling and therapy, double blind studies are often used to test the effectiveness of new treatment interventions or medications to ensure that the results are not influenced by expectations of beliefs of the clients or researchers.
WHY- This research method is important because it helps eliminate bias in both the administration and results, making them crucial for evidence based practices
EX- A double blind study is used for testing the effectiveness of a new energy drink on athletic performance. Participants are randomly assigned to drink either the new energy drink or a placebo drink (identical in appearance), and neither the participants nor the researchers monitoring performance would know who received which drink.
Ecological validity
WHAT- Ecological validity refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized to real-world settings. In counseling and therapy, it addresses how well research findings can apply to everyday situations outside of a controlled lab or clinical trial.
WHY- Ecological validity is important in the field of counseling because it ensures that research findings are meaningful and can be applicable to therapeutic practice. It helps clinicians develop evidence based practices that are relevant and effective.
EX- A study might ask participants to memorize a random sequence of ten numbers and recall them after a certain time period. This scenario has low ecological validity because it isolates memory from its everyday context where people usually remember meaningful information like phone numbers or addresses in a familiar sequence
Experimental research
WHAT- Research method that utilizes randomized assignments of participants to establish cause-effect relationships by manipulating one variable (independent) and observing the impact on the other (dependent) while controlling for external factors. This approach is widely used in psychology for clinical trials and intervention studies to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy and treatments. The goal is to be able to draw an inference in the DV due from the manipulation of the IV.
WHY- Experimental research is crucial to evaluating causes and effects to inform researchers and therapist to make informed decisions
EX- A researcher is investigating a new CBT technique on reducing anxiety. In the experiment the researcher defines an IV(type of therapy) and a DV (level of anxiety). They also randomly select a group of individuals with anxiety disorders as the sample. Anxiety levels are then measured before and after therapy sessions. This experimental design allows researchers to determine whether the new CBT technique is more effective at reducing anxiety compared to traditional methods
Hypothesis
WHAT- Hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction about some fact, behavior, relationship. The hypothesis states the expected outcome that will result from the research design’s conditions. It serves as the foundation of scientific inquiry and are central to evidence-based practices in psychology.
WHY- By providing a clear focus for investigation, hypotheses contribute to advancing knowledge and enhancing mental health care.
EX- A counselor studying cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) might hypothesize that CBT reduces anxiety symptoms more effectively than other treatments. Testing this hypothesis through research allows for data-driven conclusions that can improve therapeutic practices
Longitudinal design
WHAT- Research method used to study changes and developments in individuals or groups over time. It is used in counseling and therapy to help observe patterns, causes, and effects in mental health and therapy outcomes. It is used in clinical research to track progress and evaluate long-term treatment effectiveness
WHY- This method is crucial for populations or treatments that require long-term observation for notable and reliable results.
EX- Researchers follow a large group of participants over many years to examine the development and risk factors for heart disease. Tracking changes in their health and lifestyle habits over time.
Program evaluation
WHAT- Program evaluation is used in counseling and therapy to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of programs and interventions. It helps determine if a program is meeting its goals and provides data for any needed improvement. This approach involves collecting and analyzing data through methods like surveys and interviews. It is widely used in community mental health organizations, school counseling, and non-profits.
WHY- By identifying strengths and areas of improvement, program evaluations are crucial to supporting better decision making and enhancing service delivery
EX- A counseling center might evaluate a substance abuse prevention program to measure its impact on reducing relapse rates
Quasi experimental
WHAT- Non experimental research method that is used to study cause-effect relationships when random assignment and control/manipulation of values is not feasible. It involves comparing groups that are naturally formed or preexisting. It is particularly useful for evaluating real world interventions such as school based counseling programs or community mental health services.
WHY- This method is crucial in the field of counseling because it allows researchers to draw meaningful conclusions in situations where true experiments are impractical
EX- When doing research on heroin addicts, you don’t assign heroin addicts because that would be unethical. You use participants that are already addicted to heroin instead to then assess if a new treatment is effective.
Random Sampling
WHAT- Process of selecting a sample from a larger population ensuring that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected. This enhances the generalizability of findings by minimizing selection bias to increase the likelihood that the sample represents the larger population
WHY- This process is crucial for evidence based practices in counseling and therapy as it strengthens the validity of the research and informs practitioners about treatments that are likely to benefit varied populations
EX- For a class experiment, you might assign each student a number from 1-100, place the numbers in a hat, then choose 30 numbers from the hat to be in your sample. Every person has the same chance of being picked.
Scientific methodology
WHAT- Systematic approach to investigating questions and testing hypothesis. It involves key steps:
1. defining a research question
2. forming a hypothesis
3. designing a study
4. collecting and analyzing data
5. drawing conclusions
In counseling and therapy, this method ensures objectivity and reliability in exploring mental health phenomena and evaluating therapeutic interventions
WHY- Scientific methodology is vital because it provides a structured framework for advancing knowledge and improving practices.
EX- A study using this method might explore whether mindfulness reduces stress levels by systematically comparing participants practicing mindfulness to a control group.
Internal Validity
WHAT- Internal validity refers to the extent to which a measure or test measures what it is intended to. It is the degree to which a study accurately reflects its claim.
WHY-It helps ensure that results are not due to other factors, methodological errors, or influenced by bias. Internal validity is critical in experimental research and clinical studies where determining causal relationships is essential.
EX- For an experiment, you show a group of children a series of words on a screen and then immediately test their ability to recall those words. This would allow you to carefully control the variables and minimize confounding variables, such as distractions or interruptions, which contributes to high internal validity.
