Research Methods Flashcards
Construct
An abstract concept that is specifically chosen (or created) to explain phenomenon
descriptive research
research that is directed at making careful observations and documentation of an identified phenomenon. Observations are based on the scientific method
epistemology
refers to our assumptions about hte best way to study the world (e.g. objective or subjetive approach)
exploratory research
research conducted in new areas of inquiry where the goals are
- to scope out the magnitude or extent of a particular phenomenon, problem or bxs
- to generate some initial ideas about hte phenomenon
- to test the feasability of undertaking a more extensive study regarding that phenomenon
ontology
refers to our assumptions about how we see the world (e.g. does the world consist mostly of social order or constant change)
operational definitions
used to define contstructs in terms of how they will be empirically measured
operationaliization
the process of designing precise meaures for abstract theoretical constructs
sampling
the target population from which they wish to collect data
unit of analysis
refers to the person, group, or object that is the target for investigation
variable
a measurable representation of an abstract construct
internal validity
AKA- causality; examines whether the obsered change in a dependent variable is indeed cause by a corresponding hange in a hypothesized independent variable, and NOT by variables extraneous to the research context. Essentially, is the data congruent to the hypothesis and measured variables as opposed to other factors not accounted for
external validity
AKA generalizability; refers to whether the observed associations can be generalized from the sample to the population, or to other people, organizations, context or time
construct validity
examines how well a given measurement scale is measuring the theoretical construct that is expected to measure
statistical conclusion validity
examines the extent to which conclusions derived using a statistical procedure are valid
experiential studies
measure cause-and-effect relationships. usually involves a treatment group and a contrl group. subjects must be randomly assigned to be in a group otherwise the design is quasi-experimental
field surveys
measures operationally-defined variables . they are snapshots of practices, beliefs or situations from a random sample of subjects in field settings measured through a survey questionnaire or structured interview
secondary data analysis
analysis of data that has previously been collected and tabulated by other sources
case research (case studies)
in depth investigation of a probelm in one or more settings over an extended period of time
focus group research
bring a small group of people and have them discuss a phenomenon usually between 1.5-2 hours
ethnography
interpretive research design emphasizing that research phenomenon must be studied within the context of its native culture. researcher is immersed in a culture over an extended period of time recording the daily life of the culture, and theorizes about hte evolution and bxs of that culture
survey research
involves use of standardized questionnairs or interview to collect data about preferences, thoughts and bxs in a systematic manner
interview survey
peronslized form of data collection that are conducted by a trained interviewer using the same reserach protocol as questionnaire surveys (ie.. standarized set of questions)
qualitative analysis
text data from interview transcripts. largely dependet on researchers analytic and integrative skills and personal knowledge of the social context where the data was collected
quantitative analysis
statistics driven and largely independent of the researcher
grounded theory
an inductive technique of interpreting recorded data about a social phenomenon to build theories about htat phenomenon
Lambert’s Common Factors Model
client factors - 40%
therapeutic relationship - 30%
hope/placebo effect - 15%
therapeutic model - 15%
What is multi-dimensional family therapy good for?
effective in treating adolescent substance abuse
what is Parent child interaction therapy good for
efective in reducing recidivism of child abuse in families over time
what is Emotionally focused couples therapy goo for
70% of couples report experiencing significant benefits addressing relaltional distress
What was couples therapy effective in treating?
couples therapy just as effective as individual therapy in treating depresssion. couples therapy more effective in treating relational distress than individual therapy
family therapy is highly beneficial to what disorder?
substance abuse. involving family in treatment is highly effective in treating addiction
what is helpful in dealing with a major mental illness
psychoeducational approaches are effective in educating families about coping with te stressors asscoiated with serious or persistant mental illness. FAmily therapy does not cure major mental illness but helps families learn how to navigate its impact
