The science of behaviour health and development

Question 1

Characteristics of good research

Answer 1

1. A theoretical framework
2. A standardized procedure
3. Generalisability
4. Objective measurement

Question 2

A theoretical framework is…

Answer 2

• Systematic way of organizing and explaining observations

- Hypothesis that flows from the theory or from an important question

Question 3

A standardized procedure is…

Answer 3

a procedure that is the same for all participants except where variation is introduced to test a hypothesis

Question 4

Generalisability is…

Answer 4

• sample that is representative of the population

- procedure that is sensible and relevant to circumstances outside the laboratory

Question 5

Objective measurement is…

Answer 5

• measures that are reliable (that produce consistent results)
• measures that are valid (that assess the dimensions they purport to assess)

Question 6

General research designs:

Answer 6

1. Experimental
2. Correlational
3. Descriptive

Question 7

Developmental research designs:

Answer 7

1. Longitudinal

2. Cross-sectional

Question 8

Elements of an experiment:

Answer 8

Cause and effect relationship:

• Experiments ask whether systematic variation in one variable produces variation in another variable.
• Experiments investigate the effect of the IV on the DV.

Question 9

Pros of Experimental method

Answer 9

Strengths:
Can make causal claims:
- manipulation removes confusion about directionality of effects
- random assignment helps eliminate confounding

Question 10

Cons of Experimental method

Answer 10

Limitations:

• random assignment sometimes impossible or unethical
• control can reduce validity

Question 11

Independent Variable (IV):

Answer 11

Manipulated by experimenter (‘cause’)

Question 12

Dependent Variable (DV):

Answer 12

Participants’ response (‘effect’)

Question 13

Correlational Research

Answer 13

• examines degree to which two or more variables are related, so knowing the value of one variable allows prediction of another variable

Question 14

A correlation is when …

Answer 14

changes in one variable are accompanied by changes in another variable

Question 15

Strengths of Correlational Research:

Answer 15

• could suggest a potential cause and effect relationship to be investigated experimentally.
• can allow researchers to examine relationships among variables that cannot be investigated experimentally.
• reveals naturally occurring relationships in the ‘real world’

Question 16

Limitations of Correlational Research:

Answer 16

only reveals that two variables tend to vary together. DOES NOT infer cause and effect.

Question 17

Descriptive Research

Answer 17

Observing and describing subjects’ behaviours, belief, health and abilities as they naturally occur - no manipulation.

Question 18

Common Descriptive Research methods:

Answer 18

• Self report: surveys & interviews
• Naturalistic observations
• Laboratory observations
• Clinical/case studies
• Neurological techniques e.g. MRI neuroimaging

Question 19

Naturalistic Observation:

Answer 19

Observe behaviour in its natural setting, attempt to avoid influencing or controlling it.

Question 20

Strengths of Naturalistic Observation:

Answer 20

• Collect realistic picture of naturally occurring behaviour
• Can help generate new ideas

Question 21

Limitations of Naturalistic Observation:

Answer 21

• Must wait for the behaviour to occur naturally
• Usually small scale, may not be representative
• Cause and effect difficult to establish

Question 22

Laboratory Observation:

Answer 22

Observe behaviour in a laboratory where extraneous variables can be controlled and specialised equipment can be used.

Question 23

Strengths of Laboratory observation:

Answer 23

• Better control of potential confounds in environment

- Specialized equipment for precise measurement

Question 24

Limitation of Laboratory observation:

Answer 24

Surroundings (lab) may affect results

Question 25

Case studies

Answer 25

Observe one or very few subjects in great depth, usually over a long period of time

Question 26

Strength of case studies:

Answer 26

the only method appropriate for very unusual cases

Question 27

Limitation of case studies:

Answer 27

problems with generalising the results