Quasi-Experimental Designs II: Meta-Analysis
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a meta-analysis?

  • To perform a new experimental study on a topic
  • To focus solely on qualitative research methods
  • To gather individual testimonials on a specific issue
  • To survey existing literature and evaluate combined effects (correct)

Which of the following methods is considered an outdated approach to analyzing study results in meta-analysis?

  • Calculation of effect sizes
  • Empirical method of comparison
  • Creation of common metrics for studies
  • Box-score method (correct)

What factor does the empirical method of comparison in meta-analysis emphasize?

  • Simplistic averages of study outcomes
  • Time efficiency in data collection
  • Calculation of effect sizes for each study (correct)
  • Weekly results from the studies

Which of the following statements is NOT true about meta-analysis?

<p>It is a simplistic and straightforward method. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a systematic/scoping review in relation to meta-analysis?

<p>A complementary approach to review literature (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of longitudinal designs?

<p>High comparability across time (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when selecting a research design?

<p>The specific goals of the research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage associated with cross-sectional designs?

<p>No information about participant development (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation mentioned regarding quasi designs?

<p>They often lack a control group (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of sequential designs?

<p>They combine both longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation is common in both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs?

<p>Challenges with causation conclusions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which design is suggested to be used with caution due to interpretation issues?

<p>Quasi designs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers be mindful of when interpreting results?

<p>The presence of confounding variables (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a retrospective interview primarily focus on?

<p>Lifestyle and past events of individuals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of longitudinal designs?

<p>They are inexpensive to conduct. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a practice researchers should adopt when reading findings?

<p>Critically evaluate the findings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might cross-sectional designs lead to problematic conclusions?

<p>They assess individuals at different ages, leading to cohort effects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of study design is recommended to be selected after the study is designed?

<p>Appropriate study design (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes quasi designs?

<p>They are often used but have significant limitations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the retrospective design allow for in data gathering?

<p>Flexibility to assess both qualitative and quantitative questions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research designs, what is an essential criterion to keep in mind?

<p>The control of the experimental variables (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting in which retrospective designs are typically conducted?

<p>A one-to-one setting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of data does a retrospective design involve?

<p>Quantitative grids and qualitative aspects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical to complete and test the interview guide in a retrospective design?

<p>To guide discussions to important topics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can qualitative information be obtained in retrospective designs?

<p>Through specific follow-up questions or probing topics of interest (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the interviewer in a retrospective design?

<p>To guide the discussion and document responses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible disadvantage of relying on retrospective designs for data collection?

<p>They can be biased due to memory recall issues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In retrospective designs, which variable interest does the researcher focus on?

<p>Any variable of interest to the researcher (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of retrospective designs?

<p>Quantitative assessments only (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Meta-analysis

A research method combining multiple studies to analyze the combined effect of a particular question.

Box-score method (meta-analysis)

A simple method in meta-analysis counting positive and negative effects in studies and concluding based on majority.

Systematic/Scoping review

A review method similar to meta-analysis, looking for patterns in literature.

Effect sizes

Quantifiable measures to compare the impact of a subject in different studies within a meta-analysis.

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Problematic meta-analysis issues

Bias in the box-score method and limitations regarding appropriate weight for studies in reaching sound conclusions.

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Longitudinal Design

A research design that follows individuals over time, taking multiple measurements.

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Cross-Sectional Design

A research design that examines a phenomenon at a single point in time, often comparing different groups.

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Sequential Design

A research design that combines longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches in a single study to observe individual growth over time.

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Retrospective Design

A research method that looks back in time to study past events or behaviors.

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Cause-and-Effect Conclusions

Statements that establish a definitive link between variable A influencing Variable B, where changing one changes the other.

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Cohort Effects

Effects arising from differences and experiences within groups of people born around the same time.

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Qualitative research

Study of experiences and descriptions of personal perspectives.

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Quantitative research

Data collection and analysis through numerical means. Often uses numerical data to establish relationships between variables.

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Retrospective Design

A research method that collects data about past events or experiences.

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One-on-One Setting

Data collection happens directly with the participant, not a group.

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Interview Guide

A structured outline to guide the discussion. Crucial to ensure consistent data collection.

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Demographics

Variables like age, gender, or location collected to understand the participant's background.

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Quantitative Grid

A structured table or form to record numerical data; like frequency of certain activities.

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Qualitative Aspects

Describing experiences, opinions, or reasons behind events; subjective data.

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Recall Bias

A potential problem in retrospective studies, as participants' memories of past events might not be accurate or complete.

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Subjective Variables

Information collected on opinions, feelings, or perceptions of participants, not necessarily objective facts.

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Retrospective designs, recall

Research designs that study past events, like differences in people's reported activities over time. Often involves asking people to remember past behaviors.

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Quasi-experimental designs

Research designs observing pre-existing groups that might impact a variable, rather than randomly assigning participants to groups.

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Pre-selected groups

Groups in quasi-experiments already formed prior to the study, differing from randomized control groups.

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Control group vs. No control

A comparison group in an experiment (control group) vs. a group without a comparison in a quasi-experimental design. This is a critical aspect of experimental design.

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Cross-sectional vs. longitudinal

Quasi-experimental designs using data collected at a single time-point (cross-sectional) or collected over periods (longitudinal).

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Design selection

Choosing the best research method/design after a study is planned and taking into account pre-selected groups, control groups and time scope.

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Quasi-design interpretation caveat

Quasi-experimental findings should be interpreted with caution, acknowledging limitations and potential confounding factors.

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Important quasi-design criteria

In quasi-experiments, pre-selected groups, control and comparison issues must be carefully considered. Design selection and interpretation should be cautious, and limitations of each design should be understood before relying on the conclusions.

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Study Notes

Quasi-Experimental Designs II

  • Popular designs include meta-analysis, longitudinal, cross-sectional, and sequential designs.

Meta-Analysis

  • Not an experiment, but a literature review.

  • Aims to discover if stereotype threats exist in older populations.

  • Numerous studies have assessed the impact of stereotype threats on adults.

  • A method to survey literature, obtaining information about a combined effect of interest.

  • Assumes 20 papers examining the topic, using various designs, measures, and samples.

  • Aims to determine if stereotype threats have a significant impact.

  • The Box-Score method involves examining published studies, identifying those with positive and negative effects, and choosing the side with the most "wins."

  • Potential issues with this approach need consideration.

  • Often an empirical method of comparison that creates a common metric for each study.

  • Calculates effect sizes for each study and assigns appropriate weights to the individual studies.

  • Considers every design factor and draws more conclusive findings about the effect.

  • Meta-analysis
  • Longitudinal
  • Cross-sectional
  • Sequential

Longitudinal Design

  • Follows individuals over time.
  • Multiple time points (data collection points).
  • Allows for the identification of trends and causality.
  • Advantages: Cause-and-effect conclusions; high comparability across time (removing person effects); detailed design/findings.
  • Disadvantages: Highly expensive; time-consuming; high attrition rates.

Cross-Sectional Design

  • A snapshot of a phenomenon in time.
  • Analyzes individuals of varying ages at a single point.
  • Cannot establish cause-and-effect conclusions.
  • Advantages: Inexpensive; quick data collection; low attrition rates.
  • Disadvantages: Limits comparisons between groups; no information regarding participant development; unequal developmental levels; cross-generational conclusions are questionable (cohort effects).

Sequential Designs

  • Combines longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches into one study.
  • Assesses individuals at different ages over time (20, 25, 30,...).
  • Doesn't fully eliminate problems inherent in each design.

Retrospective Interview Procedure

  • Commonly used in sports contexts.
  • Examines individuals' lifestyles and past events.
  • Can analyze cross-sections of participants.
  • Does not allow for cause-and-effect conclusions but avoids shortcomings of other designs.

Retrospective Designs

  • A quasi-design where groups are already formed.
  • Uses interview-style questioning, including qualitative and quantitative data collection.
  • Qualitative questions: Example: Why did you participate in sports at the age of 10/20?
  • Quantitative questions:
    • Categorical: Highest education level?
    • Continuous: How many hours per week were spent on a given sport at 10, 15, etc., years old?
  • Retrospective designs are conducted in one-on-one interviews.
  • Detailed interview guides, pre-tested and completed, are crucial for appropriate follow-up questions.

Demographics & Qualitative Data

  • Any variable of interest to the researcher is recorded.
  • Interviewer completes data recording, or participants fill out forms/questionnaires.
  • Qualitative data allows for flexible follow-up questioning and in-depth exploration of topics of interest.

Conclusion on Quasi-designs

  • Quasi-designs are frequently utilized.
  • Cautious interpretation is vital.
  • Thorough critical evaluation is necessary when reviewing findings.
  • Researchers should be skeptical, critically evaluating each design individually.

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Quasi-Experimental Designs II Lecture PDF

Description

Explore the intricacies of quasi-experimental designs, focusing particularly on meta-analysis. This quiz delves into literature reviews, stereotype threats in older populations, and examines the Box-Score method for studying effects. Test your understanding of how these methods are used to evaluate the impact of various studies.

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