Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main focus of an outcome variable in research studies?
What is the main focus of an outcome variable in research studies?
What is the primary reason why findings may not generalize beyond UK university students?
What is the primary reason why findings may not generalize beyond UK university students?
What constitutes a sample in the context of research?
What constitutes a sample in the context of research?
Which of the following best describes a categorical variable?
Which of the following best describes a categorical variable?
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Why is it important to specify the target population in a research study?
Why is it important to specify the target population in a research study?
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Which approach focuses on drawing conclusions from sample data using probability and variance?
Which approach focuses on drawing conclusions from sample data using probability and variance?
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Which type of variable can only take on whole numbers?
Which type of variable can only take on whole numbers?
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In a research study, what can vary when different samples are taken from the same population?
In a research study, what can vary when different samples are taken from the same population?
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What type of statistical test would be appropriate for analyzing a continuous variable?
What type of statistical test would be appropriate for analyzing a continuous variable?
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What is the relationship between exposure and outcome variables in research?
What is the relationship between exposure and outcome variables in research?
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Which example illustrates an ordered categorical variable?
Which example illustrates an ordered categorical variable?
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What does sampling variation refer to in the context of frequentist statistics?
What does sampling variation refer to in the context of frequentist statistics?
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What is the definition of a binary variable?
What is the definition of a binary variable?
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What type of data consists of observations made on individuals?
What type of data consists of observations made on individuals?
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What type of variable is often considered the predictor in a psychological study?
What type of variable is often considered the predictor in a psychological study?
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Which of the following best describes a longitudinal study in the context of rates?
Which of the following best describes a longitudinal study in the context of rates?
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Flashcards
Population vs. Sample
Population vs. Sample
A population is the entire group of interest, while a sample is a smaller subset of that population used for research.
Statistical Inference
Statistical Inference
The process of using information from a sample to make conclusions about the larger population.
Outcome Variable
Outcome Variable
The variable being measured or studied; the result or effect.
Exposure Variable
Exposure Variable
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Sampling Variation
Sampling Variation
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Target Population
Target Population
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Frequentist Statistics
Frequentist Statistics
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Example of Sampling Problem
Example of Sampling Problem
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Sampling limitations
Sampling limitations
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Numerical variable
Numerical variable
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Continuous variable
Continuous variable
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Discrete variable
Discrete variable
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Categorical variable
Categorical variable
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Binary variable
Binary variable
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Sample size
Sample size
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Rate
Rate
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Study Notes
Core Principles in Mental Health Research
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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.
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Epidemiology & Medical Statistics:
- Exposure variable: Characterizes a potential risk.
- Outcome variable: The variable of interest, often the result of an exposure.
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Psychology:
- Independent variable: Manipulated variable.
- Dependent variable: Measured variable, influenced by the independent variable.
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Social science:
- Explanatory/predictor variable: Variable thought to explain or predict the response variable.
- Response variable: The variable being explained or predicted.
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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.
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Population & Samples: Researchers study samples to learn about populations, often larger groups. Statistical inferences draw upon sample data to generalize findings to the population.
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Sampling Variation: Different samples from the same population produce different outcomes. Understanding sampling variation is essential in interpreting statistical results.
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Target Population: Carefully define the target population for accurate research interpretations; crucial in generalizing findings.
Types of Data
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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.
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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).
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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.
