Psychology Research Methods Lecture 1 & 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of randomization in experimental design?

To ensure a representative sample from the population

To control potential confounding variables (correct)

To eliminate all forms of bias

To increase the size of the sample

Which of the following best describes the difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies?

Longitudinal studies track the same subjects over time, while cross-sectional studies analyze different subjects at a single time. (correct)

Longitudinal studies examine data at a single point in time, whereas cross-sectional studies collect data over several points.

Cross-sectional studies are conducted at multiple points in time while longitudinal studies are done once.

Cross-sectional studies are qualitative, while longitudinal studies are quantitative.

What type of designs result in several types of hypotheses involving main effects and interaction effects?

Survey designs

Descriptive designs

Correlational designs

Factorial designs (correct)

What is a primary threat to construct validity?

Inconsistent measures used Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would quasi-experimental designs be particularly useful?

When random assignments are not possible due to ethical concerns Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four main types of validity in research?

Factorial validity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM)?

It requires participants to record their experiences in real-time Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of using meta-analyses in research?

They consolidate findings across multiple studies to enhance statistical power. Signup and view all the answers

What type of validity ensures that a test or instrument measures what it's supposed to measure?

Construct Validity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sampling involves random selection from distinct groups within a population?

Stratified Random Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of observational research?

Directly observing a phenomenon without interference Signup and view all the answers

What is a confounding variable?

A variable that obscures the relationship between two other variables Signup and view all the answers

What does external validity refer to in research?

The applicability of research findings to other contexts or populations Signup and view all the answers

Which type of error occurs when a true null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected?

Type I error Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes non-probability sampling methods?

Selection is based on researcher judgment rather than randomization Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of Parsimony suggest in scientific theories?

The simplest explanation is usually the best. Signup and view all the answers

In experimental methods, what is the purpose of a manipulation check?

To verify that the manipulation was effective Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the difference between external validity and internal validity?

Internal validity examines truthfulness of observed results, external validity considers applicability to other settings. Signup and view all the answers

Which scale of measurement provides not only order but also equal intervals between values?

Interval Scale Signup and view all the answers

What is reliability primarily concerned with in the context of measurement?

The consistency of the measurement results. Signup and view all the answers

What does statistical conclusion validity assess?

The reasonableness of the research conclusions drawn. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research focuses on practical applications and real-world problems?

Applied Research Signup and view all the answers

In the context of variables, what distinguishes operational definitions?

They specify how to measure a construct in practical terms. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of measure captures personal beliefs or opinions, rather than objective facts?

Explicit Measures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1: Generating Models

A theory is a formal model for explaining a phenomenon and predicting related outcomes.
It should explain "how," "why," and "under what conditions" phenomena occur.
Parsimony is the principle of the simplest explanation.
William of Ockham's principle states that a theory should contain no more complexity than necessary.
The scientific process typically involves: defining the problem, determining variables, selecting a research design/sample, collecting data, analyzing, and interpreting the findings.
A research problem presents a broad statement identifying a significant area needing investigation, a gap, or controversy.

Basic vs Applied Research

Basic research addresses fundamental questions about behavior.
Applied research tests if variables relate to one another under specific conditions.

Lecture 2: Measurement

Variables are behaviors, thoughts, feelings, or characteristics that vary.
Measurement assigns numerical values to variables.
Conceptual variables are the phenomenon of interest (e.g., intelligence).
Operational variables define how constructs are measured or manipulated in research (e.g., an IQ test).
Objective measures are "hard" data (e.g., sales figures).
Subjective measures rely on perception (e.g., self-report).

Explicit vs Implicit Measures

Explicit measures assess conscious processes, such as self-report.
Implicit measures assess unconscious processes, such as reaction time.

Common Rating Techniques

Likert scales measure agreement levels.
Semantic differentials use bipolar adjectives.
Frequency scales count occurrences.
Pain charts, checklists are other examples.

Scales of Measurement

Nominal scales categorize objects (e.g., gender).
Ordinal scales rank objects (e.g., education level).
Interval scales quantify intervals (e.g., temperature).
Ratio scales capture intervals and have a true zero point (e.g., reaction time).

Validity and Reliability

Reliability assesses consistency, while validity assures measurement accuracy.
Test-retest reliability measures the consistency of a test over time, parallel-form reliability examines the consistency of different but similar forms of a test, and inter-rater reliability measures the agreement between multiple raters.
Internal consistency measures how consistently items on a single instrument measure the same construct.

Lecture 3: Sampling

A population is a group defined by research interests.
A sample is a subset of the population used for data collection.
Census collects data from the entire population.
Sampling involves selecting a subset for research.
The goal is to create a sample representative of the population for valid generalization.
Probability sampling methods include random sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling.
Non-probability sampling Methods include convenience sampling, snowball sampling, quota sampling, and judgmental sampling.

Lecture 4: Qualitative and Observational Methods

Observational research involves directly observing phenomena without manipulation.
Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment.
Systematic observations use a coding scheme to record specific behaviors.
Indirect observations involve observing outcomes (e.g., recycling rate).

Qualitative Data Analysis

Thematic analysis identifies themes from qualitative data.
Grounded theory develops theory from data.
Content analysis quantifies qualitative data.

Lecture 5: Experimental Methods

Experiments involve manipulating independent variables (IVs) to assess their impact on dependent variables (DVs).
True experiments utilize random assignments, while quasi-experiments don't.
Manipulation checks verify the effect of the IV.
Control groups provide comparisons, while extraneous variables (confounds) threaten internal validity, meaning factors besides the IV may influence the DV.

Realism

Experimental realism examines if psychological states are experienced by participants in a study.
Mundane realism assesses if study elements simulate real-world situations.

Lecture 6: Survey Methods

Survey methods operationalize constructs using items, analyze responses, and examine validity/reliability.
The methods need to accurately and fully reflect the intended measure, so items should be valid, reliability should be acceptable and they should avoid common method variance, which is a threat to validity since variables are measured in the same way.

Lecture 7: Evaluating Research

Construct validity measures whether a measure accurately and adequately represents the construct.
Internal validity ensures that the observed relationship between variables is not due to extraneous factors.
External validity assesses the extent to which the findings are generalizable to other populations, settings, and times.

Lecture 8: Threats to Validity

Regression to the mean occurs when participants are selected based on extreme scores, and subsequent scores revert to the average.
Instrumentation refers to a change in the measurement instrument or person being measured, rather than the effect of the IV on the DV.
External validity assesses whether the causal relationship from a study is valid in other populations, contexts, times, and behaviors being measured.

Ethical Principles in Research

Research should be conducted ethically, ensuring equal benefits and burdens, protecting vulnerable populations, providing informed consent, and avoiding deception whenever possible.

Lecture 9: Alternative and Emerging Methods

Work samples provide realistic simulations of job tasks.
Fidelity reflects the similarity between the work samples and job contexts.
Response fidelity considers if participants respond similarly in the sample and target contexts.

Lecture 10: Experience Sampling Method (ESM)

Experience sampling is a survey methodology for capturing experiences in real-time.

Lecture 11: Meta-Analysis

Meta-analysis is a quantitative method for evaluating multiple studies

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Description

Explore the foundations of research methods in psychology through this quiz. It covers essential concepts such as theories, research design, and measurement. Test your understanding of both basic and applied research to enhance your grasp of psychological investigation.