Research Methods

Question 1

Experimental Research

Answer 1

1. True experimental designs are interested in a causal rx between the IV and DV
2. Subjects are randomly assigned to the control or experimental group.
3. Lab setting: confounding variables can be controlled.
   Because of the amount of control in this design, the results can be confidently stated to have been caused by a change in the IV.

Question 2

Quasi-Experimental Research

Answer 2

Same as experimental, but NO RANDOM ASSIGNMENT.

Because of the nature of the groups being investigated, random assignment to the control or experimental group is not possible. In the quasi-experimental design, there are typically two research groups, one of which is exposed to the IV (experimental group). The comparison group is the control group.

Question 3

Correlational

Answer 3

Correlational designs provide a measurement of the strength and direction of a relationship between 2 variables. It provides a value between 1 and -1. The number indicates the strength of this relationship with the absolute value of 1 being a perfect correlation. Perfect correlations are rarely seen in actual data.

Question 4

Longitudinal

Answer 4

1. Researchers repeatedly examine the same individuals to detect any changes that might occur over a period of time. Longitudinal studies are a type of correlational research in which researchers observe and collect data on a number of variables without trying to influence those variables.
2. No set amount of time is required for a longitudinal study, so long as the participants are repeatedly observed.

Question 5

Descriptive

Answer 5

Concerned with a measurement or observation of ‘what is’ in a specific place, time, and people. There is no manipulation on the part of the researcher. The three common types of descriptive research designs in psychology are: observation, case studies, and surveys.

Question 6

How does research design affect internal vs. external validity?

Answer 6

Higher internal validity in an experimental design. As we get higher internal validity, it lowers external validity. Getting higher external validity means that it can be applied to the population that was sampled from for the study.

Question 7

Independent Variable

Answer 7

The variable in an experiment that is specifically manipulated or is observed to occur before the DV, in order to assess its effect or influence on the DV. IV’s may or may not be causally related to the DV.

Question 8

Dependent Variable

Answer 8

The outcome that is observed to occur or change after the occurrence or variation of the IV. Dependent variables may or may not be related causally to the independent variable.

Question 9

Sample

Answer 9

What is the sample size?
“Pure” sample: screening out comorbidities
–> Screening out means you end up with a small, rare group which means it lacks external validity

Question 10

Questions to ask yourself when looking at research

Answer 10

1. Is there missing data or drop-outs?
2. Are the findings of this study consistent with broader research? Why or why not?
3. Is the control group a no-treatment group or a placebo group?
4. Do the variables actually impact each other as opposed to a third variable?
5. Application to Clinical Work: how are findings relevant (or not) to your clients? What aspects of the research can help to inform practice? How would you use this guide therapy with your client?

Question 11

What is a draw-back of an experimental study?

Answer 11

Laboratory results do not always translate into real-world settings → Decreased External validity.

Question 12

What is random assignment?

Answer 12

With random assignment, every person in the study has an equal chance of being in either condition. True experimental designs have random assignment.

Question 13

What’s an example of a quasi-experimental design?

Answer 13

One example would be a comparison of the tall versus short people on a motor coordination test. This would have to be a quasi-experimental design. Physical height is the IV, motor coordination is the DV. Height cannot be randomly assigned. Even if all other rigors of an experiment are followed, the research question of height cannot show cause.

Question 14

What’s an example of a positive correlation?

Answer 14

Indicating a positive relationship when one variable increases along with the other, such as weight and height.

Question 15

What’s an example of a negative correlation?

Answer 15

Where one variable increases as the other decreases such as outside temperature and heating bills.

Question 16

Does correlation mean causation?

Answer 16

NO! What correlational design does not address is the cause of any relationship that may be present.

Example: Ice cream sales are positively correlated to violent crime. This is not a causal relationship as ice cream sales increase in the summer months when people are outside and so does violent crime. The variable being measured is Summer.