Path Models and Correlational Research

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Questions and Answers

What is the effect of parent-child relationships on children's motivation?

They only affect children's social skills.

They negatively affect children's motivation.

They have no impact on motivation.

They influence children's mastery motivation. (correct)

What does path analysis aim to provide more evidence for, compared to mere correlation?

Stronger experimental data.

Other correlated relationships.

Possibility of reverse causation.

Evidence of causation. (correct)

What is a primary weakness of path analysis models?

They rely on nonexperimental data. (correct)

They are too complicated for researchers.

They limit the study to only two variables.

They are based on experimental data.

What is indicated by path coefficients closer to +1.00 or -1.00 in path analysis?

A stronger relationship between variables. Signup and view all the answers

For the strongest evidence of causation, what should researchers conduct if feasible?

An experimental research study. Signup and view all the answers

What is hypothesized to impact parenting beliefs in the model?

Parent's self-efficacy Signup and view all the answers

Which variable is thought to be impacted by the parent–child relationship?

Child's mastery motivation Signup and view all the answers

How does the model illustrate the relationship between different variables?

Through arrows indicating hypothesized effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the final outcome hypothesized in the model after children's mastery motivation?

Child's academic performance Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the indirect effects in the path model?

Mediating variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a parenting characteristic in the model?

Parent's upbringing Signup and view all the answers

What role do parenting beliefs play in the path model?

They impact parent–child relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is linked to a parent's influence on their child's motivation?

Parent's self-efficacy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a correlational study?

To describe and predict relationships between variables Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of correlational research?

It may imply causation where there is none Signup and view all the answers

Which dependent variable was mentioned as being used in prediction studies?

Recovery after mild traumatic brain injury Signup and view all the answers

In correlational studies, what do researchers measure?

Variables in their natural state Signup and view all the answers

How can multiple variables enhance correlational research?

By improving predictive power Signup and view all the answers

What does a reliable relationship between two variables allow researchers to do?

Predict one variable based on the other Signup and view all the answers

Why are correlational studies considered nonexperimental?

They do not involve subject manipulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a characteristic of correlational studies?

They establish definitive cause and effect Signup and view all the answers

What type of documents include letters, diaries, and family pictures?

Personal documents Signup and view all the answers

Which data type might include the contents of one’s trash or wear on library books?

Physical data Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of archived research data?

To be reused by other researchers Signup and view all the answers

Which institution houses the largest repository of archived quantitative data?

University of Michigan Signup and view all the answers

What is a key strength of using documents and physical data?

They minimize researcher influence. Signup and view all the answers

What type of documents includes newspapers and meeting minutes?

Official documents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not typically a type of archived research data?

Data for new studies Signup and view all the answers

What can be a weakness of existing or secondary data?

Potential outdated or incomplete information Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a cross-sectional study?

Data is collected from multiple groups at one point in time. Signup and view all the answers

Which is true about longitudinal studies?

They measure the same participants repeatedly over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary independent variable in the context of these studies?

A variable that might not be manipulated at all. Signup and view all the answers

How is age treated in developmental studies?

As a nonmanipulatable variable if it is the primary independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes longitudinal studies from cross-sectional studies?

Longitudinal studies track changes in the same group over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes cross-sectional studies?

They assess different groups at a single point in time. Signup and view all the answers

In longitudinal studies, what type of data collection is emphasized?

Repeated measures on the same participants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the design of cross-sectional studies?

They utilize different samples representing various characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Path Models and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

Path models are theoretical constructs researchers use to explain relationships between variables.
Researchers create a theoretical model based on relationships between variables.
They then empirically test the model using quantitative data.
Path models provide more evidence for causation than simple correlation.
Primary Weakness: Path models are often based on nonexperimental data, limiting conclusive evidence.
When interpreting the results of path models, researchers should consider the possibility of other variables influencing the relationship.

Correlational Research

Correlational research is used to study relationships between variables.
Researchers measure variables in their natural environment to see if they are related.
It is effective for description and prediction.
If two variables are reliably related, researchers can predict the value of one variable based on the value of the other.
Primary Weakness: Correlation does not equal causation. Simply because variables are related does not mean one causes the other.

Cross-Sectional Studies

Collect data from a group of participants at a single time period.
Often used in developmental psychology to study changes in individuals at different ages.
Can be experimental or nonexperimental studies.
Primary Weakness: Cannot establish cause and effect relationships definitively.

Longitudinal Studies

Involve repeated measurements of the same group of participants over time.
Used to identify changes in characteristics or relationships between variables over time.
Primary Weakness - Time-consuming and expensive.
Can suffer from participant attrition, which can bias the results.

Existing/Secondary Data

Includes documents, physical data, and archived research data.
Categories of documents: - Personal documents: Letters, diaries, personal pictures - Official documents: Newspapers, annual reports, meeting minutes
Physical data: Physical objects that provide information about a phenomenon (trash, evidence of wear and tear on items, clothing - soil, DNA)
Archived research data: Data collected by other researchers for different purposes.
Strengths: Provides insight into what people think and do; unobtrusive, minimizing reactive effects.
Weaknesses: May be difficult to interpret due to lack of information about original data collection methods; May not be relevant to current research questions.

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Description

Explore the strengths and weaknesses of path models in research, particularly their ability to demonstrate causation. This quiz also covers the role of correlational research in examining relationships between variables, highlighting its predictive capabilities. Test your understanding of these foundational research methods.