Quantitative Research Overview Lecture 1

Questions and Answers

What are the goals of quantitative research represented by the abbreviation DPIE?

Descriptive, Predictive, Identifying causes, Explaining (correct)

Developing, Practicing, Implementing, Evaluating

Discovering, Proposing, Indicating, Examining

Describing, Proving, Investigating, Examining

In quantitative research, the word 'proved' should be used.

False

What are hypotheses in quantitative research?

Testable predictions based on theory.

Which of the following is an advantage of case studies?

Studies rare phenomena in depth Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of naturalistic observations?

Observer effect may influence behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding correlational studies?

Correlation does not imply causation Signup and view all the answers

What is the best method for examining cause and effect?

Experimental studies. Signup and view all the answers

In scientific research, theories must be _____ to be valid.

falsifiable Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of quantitative studies with their descriptions:

Case Studies = Examine one subject in detail Naturalistic Observations = Behavior observed in natural settings Surveys = Questions/tests administered to a sample Correlational Studies = Examine strength of associations between variables Experimental Studies = Manipulation of variables to measure effects Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Strands of Research in Psychology

Quantitative Research: Follows the logical positivist paradigm, focusing on prediction and causation.
Qualitative Research: Involves multiple paradigms for in-depth understanding.

Goals of Quantitative Research (DPIE)

Description: Outline specific details about phenomena.
Prediction: Anticipate future occurrences based on patterns.
Identify Causes: Determine the factors that influence outcomes.
Explaining: Provide explanations for observed behaviors and findings.

Scientific Process

Scientific ideas originate from:
- Common sense
- Observations
- Past research
- Practical problems
- Theoretical frameworks
In quantitative research, the term "proved" is avoided; "supported by many studies" is preferred to reflect findings accurately.

Theories

Definition: Systematic body of ideas regarding a subject or phenomenon.
Functions:
- Organizes and explains specific facts or behaviors.
- Generates new knowledge and focuses research.

Characteristics of Scientific Theories

Grounded in data from previous research.
Generate testable hypotheses.
Must fit observational data and be falsifiable.

Hypotheses

Defined as testable predictions arising from theories.
Example: Praise (positive reinforcement) increases the likelihood of a behavior (e.g., washing up).

Types of Quantitative Studies

Case Studies: Detailed examination of a single subject, providing rich descriptive data but lacking generalizability and potential for bias.
Naturalistic Observations: Study behaviors in their natural settings with benefits like realistic behavior observation, though subject to observer effects and interpretive bias.
Surveys: Gather quantitative data from a sample representing a population; advantages include larger sample sizes leading to reliable results, while disadvantages involve biases and potential dishonesty.
Correlational Studies: Assess relationships between variables, enabling predictions, but correlation does not imply causation.
Experimental Studies: Involve manipulation of variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships; considered the best method for understanding causal impacts.

Components of a Sound Research Design

Research Question: Define the focus of study.
Hypotheses: State expected relationships between variables.
Variable Definition: Clarify and operationalize variables (construct validity).
Sampling: Choose representative samples for testing.
Test Hypotheses: Develop a design that effectively addresses the hypothesis.
Data Analyses: Analyze collected data methodically.
Publication of Findings: Engage in peer review and publish research for transparency.
Further Research: Encourage replication for theory-building and refinement of methodologies.
New Hypotheses Development: Derive additional hypotheses through theoretical insights.

Correlation and Causation

Essential understanding: Correlation ≠ Causation.
Correlational studies focus on the relationships between variables, indicating potential links but not definitive causal evidence.

Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of quantitative research, including logical positivist paradigms and the importance of prediction and causation in psychological studies. It also outlines the goals of quantitative research through the acronym DPIE: Description, Prediction, Identify causes, and Explaining. Join to test your understanding of the scientific process in this exciting field!