Questions and Answers
What is a quasi-independent variable?
A variable for which the conditions are systematically selected for but not directly manipulated, intended to determine if this variable affects changes in another variable.
When can we determine if there is a causal relationship?
When we can identify and manipulate one variable and measure changes in another variable while holding all other variables constant.
Give two examples of a quasi-experiment.
Quasi-independent variable: sexual preference and quasi-dependent variable: self-esteem; Quasi-independent variable: class status and quasi-dependent variable: academic performance.
When can we be absolutely certain that one variable has an effect on another?
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What is the appropriate null hypothesis for a quasi-experimental design?
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Which analysis would allow us to infer causality based on data collected in a between-groups design with a genuine independent variable?
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Age ____ a good example of a quasi-independent variable.
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A quasi-experiment has ___ external validity than a genuine experiment.
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Room temperature ___ a good example of a quasi-independent variable.
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What is the primary issue in determining whether or not we can infer a causal relationship?
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The identifying characteristic of a quasi-experimental design is?
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A quasi-experiment has ___ internal validity than a genuine experiment.
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Study Notes
Quasi-Experimental Designs Overview
- Quasi-independent variable: systematically selected variables that are not directly manipulated, influencing the quasi-dependent variable.
- Quasi-dependent variable: the outcome variable that is measured in relation to the quasi-independent variable.
Causality and Experimental Control
- Causal relationships can be determined when one variable is manipulated and changes in another variable are measured, keeping other variables constant.
- Perfect internal validity is only achievable in a perfectly controlled experiment.
Examples of Quasi-Experiments
- Example 1: Quasi-independent variable of sexual preference affects self-esteem (quasi-dependent variable).
- Example 2: Class status (quasi-independent variable) impacts academic performance (quasi-dependent variable).
Null Hypothesis in Quasi-Experimental Design
- The null hypothesis states that the quasi-independent variable does not significantly affect the variability of the quasi-dependent variable.
Statistics and Causality
- Causality can be inferred through statistical analyses like Pearson r or t-tests for independent groups in a between-groups design with a genuine independent variable.
Characteristics of Quasi-Independent Variables
- Age is considered a good example of a quasi-independent variable.
- Room temperature could potentially serve as a quasi-independent variable.
Internal and External Validity
- Quasi-experiments typically have less internal validity compared to genuine experiments due to the non-manipulated nature of some variables.
- External validity may be higher or lower in quasi-experiments, depending on context and design.
Key Issues in Causality
- The primary challenge in inferring causal relationships lies in how data are collected in the experiment.
- A distinguishing feature of quasi-experimental designs is the selection of independent variables rather than their manipulation.
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Description
This quiz focuses on key concepts from Chapter 6 of Experimental Psychology, particularly regarding quasi-experimental designs. It includes important definitions and does not directly manipulate variables, rather examining their influence on other variables. Test your understanding of these essential psychological research methods.
