Stats Topic 7

Question 1

Self-Report Methods in Psychological Research

Answer 1

Psychologists use self-report methods such as questionnaires, surveys, and interviews to measure variables related to thoughts, opinions, and feelings. These methods are crucial for gathering subjective data that cannot be directly observed.

Question 2

Strengths:

Answer 2

• Efficiency – Can collect data from large samples quickly.
• Flexibility – Can be administered via mail, telephone, internet, or face-to-face.
• Cost-Effective – Less resource-intensive compared to observational or experimental methods.
• Insight into Internal States – Useful for assessing attitudes, emotions, and perceptions.

Question 3

Weaknesses

Answer 3

• Social Desirability Bias
• Response Bias
• Pseudo-opinions
• Lack of Control – In remote surveys, researchers cannot clarify questions or ensure attentiveness.
• Questionnaire Quality – Poorly designed surveys can lead to invalid or unreliable results.

Question 4

Multiple-Item Measures of Behavior

Answer 4

• Data Reduction & Categorization – Identifying patterns and summarizing responses.
• Reliability Analysis – Ensuring consistent responses across similar questions (e.g., Cronbach’s Alpha, Split-Half Reliability, Cohen’s Kappa).
• Validity Assessment – Checking if the scale truly measures what it intends to (e.g., construct validity).
• Factor Analysis – Identifying underlying latent variables that explain patterns in responses.

Question 5

Method Section

Answer 5

• Participants – Describe sample size, demographics, and selection method.
• Measures – Detail the questionnaire or survey used, specifying scale types (e.g., Likert).
• Procedure – Explain how data was collected (e.g., online survey, face-to-face interviews).
• Ethical Considerations – Mention consent, anonymity, and approval from ethics committees.

Question 6

Results Section

Answer 6

• Descriptive Statistics – Report means, standard deviations, frequencies.
• Correlation Analysis – Use Pearson’s r or Spearman’s rho to measure relationships.
• Regression Analysis (if applicable) – Examining predictive relationships.
• Statistical Significance – Report p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes.

Question 7

Social Desirability Bias

Answer 7

Participants may give responses they think are more socially acceptable.

Question 8

Response Bias

Answer 8

People may answer without deep consideration or may misunderstand questions.

Question 9

Pseudo-opinions

Answer 9

Standardized responses might force participants to answer even if they are unfamiliar with the topic.