Defining Data

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of an outcome variable in research studies?

To measure random sampling error

To investigate and understand its variation or occurrence (correct)

To represent all variables within the study

To serve as the primary hypothesis of the research

What is the primary reason why findings may not generalize beyond UK university students?

The study was conducted in a controlled environment.

Students may differ from other young people in factors that affect their experiences. (correct)

The sample size was too small.

The variables measured were not relevant.

What constitutes a sample in the context of research?

A statistical model created for predicting outcomes

The entire group of individuals relevant to the study

A subset of a larger population used for conducting research (correct)

Any random selection of participants regardless of their relevance

Which of the following best describes a categorical variable?

A variable that classifies individuals into distinct categories. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to specify the target population in a research study?

To establish who can be included and excluded in the sample Signup and view all the answers

Which approach focuses on drawing conclusions from sample data using probability and variance?

Frequentist statistics Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable can only take on whole numbers?

Discrete variable Signup and view all the answers

In a research study, what can vary when different samples are taken from the same population?

The results obtained from those samples Signup and view all the answers

What type of statistical test would be appropriate for analyzing a continuous variable?

T-test Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between exposure and outcome variables in research?

Exposure variables may affect the occurrence of outcome variables Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates an ordered categorical variable?

Socioeconomic status ranking Signup and view all the answers

What does sampling variation refer to in the context of frequentist statistics?

The differences in sample results due to random selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a binary variable?

A categorical variable with only two categories Signup and view all the answers

What type of data consists of observations made on individuals?

Raw data Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is often considered the predictor in a psychological study?

Independent variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a longitudinal study in the context of rates?

A study assessing the frequency of occurrence over time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Core Principles in Mental Health Research

Learning Objectives: Students will learn to differentiate between populations and samples, understand the different data types and variables, and the approaches of frequentist and Bayesian statistics.
Epidemiology & Medical Statistics:
- Exposure variable: Characterizes a potential risk.
- Outcome variable: The variable of interest, often the result of an exposure.
Psychology:
- Independent variable: Manipulated variable.
- Dependent variable: Measured variable, influenced by the independent variable.
Social science:
- Explanatory/predictor variable: Variable thought to explain or predict the response variable.
- Response variable: The variable being explained or predicted.
Defining Exposure & Outcome: The outcome variable is the focal point of investigation. Examples include depression or eating disorders. Identifying risk factors (exposures) influencing outcome is the goal of the analysis.
Population & Samples: Researchers study samples to learn about populations, often larger groups. Statistical inferences draw upon sample data to generalize findings to the population.
Sampling Variation: Different samples from the same population produce different outcomes. Understanding sampling variation is essential in interpreting statistical results.
Target Population: Carefully define the target population for accurate research interpretations; crucial in generalizing findings.

Types of Data

Numerical Variables:
- Continuous: Take on any value within a range, e.g., BMI.
- Discrete: Take on whole number values, e.g., number of depressive episodes.
Categorical Variables:
- Binary: Two categories (e.g., diagnosed/not diagnosed).
- Ordered: Categories arranged in a specific order (e.g., socioeconomic status).
- Nominal: Categories with no inherent order (e.g., eye color).
Rates: Fundamental measure for disease frequency in longitudinal studies, e.g., 30-year mortality rates in people with depression, rate of psychosis.

Sampling Considerations

Representativeness: Samples should reflect the target population, or results are less generalizable.
Sampling Biases: Potential problems in sampling methodology, such as sampling only university students, can skew results.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts in mental health research, focusing on the differentiation between populations and samples, exposure and outcome variables, and key statistical approaches. Understanding these principles is vital for conducting informed studies in psychology and epidemiology.