Quasi-Experiments and Observational Studies

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of big data that differentiates it from smaller datasets?

It requires no special tools to manage.

It can handle varying data types and massive volumes. (correct)

It only includes structured data types.

It is easier to analyze than traditional datasets.

Which of the following represents a Type I error in experimental research?

Failing to detect an effect that is present.

Confounding variables affecting the outcome.

Finding no difference between groups when there is one.

Detecting an effect that does not exist. (correct)

What distinguishes a quasi-experiment from a true experiment?

Quasi-experiments use observational methods exclusively.

Quasi-experiments lack manipulation of the independent variable. (correct)

Quasi-experiments involve random assignment of participants.

Quasi-experiments do not have control groups.

What is a major concern when working with big data resources?

Data privacy and ethical considerations. Signup and view all the answers

In a factorial design, what does the term 'interactions' refer to?

The combined effect of two or more independent variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which variable type is responsible for causing changes in another variable?

Independent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is internal validity primarily concerned with?

The degree to which the results are due to the experimental manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms best describes the range of values that a variable can take?

Range Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a quasi-experiment?

It lacks randomization in group assignment. Signup and view all the answers

Which design is NOT a type of quasi-experimental design?

Reversal design Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern when conducting observational studies?

Observer biases may affect the data. Signup and view all the answers

Which method would you employ to lessen experimenter effects in overt observations?

Recording data without presence in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a withdrawal design from a reversal design?

Both designs involve returning to baseline conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of observational study would you covertly observe individuals to prevent them from altering their behavior?

Disguised observation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of using archival data sources?

They provide access to data that is difficult to obtain otherwise. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following threats to internal validity is unique to single-subject designs?

Order effects. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Final Exam Information

Final exam date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Recreational Gym

Quasi-Experiments

Definition: A quasi-experiment is an experiment that does not use random assignment.
Reasons for using a quasi-experiment: Researchers might use a quasi-experiment instead of a true experiment when random assignment is not possible or ethical.
Types of quasi-experimental designs:
- Pre-experimental design
- Nonequivalent groups design
- Time-series design
- Multiple time-series design
Potential confounds: Confounding variables are variables that can influence the results of a study, which might be different in quasi-experiments compared to true experiments.

Observational Studies

Distinction from people-watching: Observational studies are more structured and methodical than simply watching people. They are designed with specific research questions in mind.
Types of observational studies:
- Naturalistic observation: Observing subjects in their natural environment
- Participant observation: Observing subjects while participating in their environment
Disguised vs. Undisguised: Disguised observation means participants are unaware of being observed, while undisguised observation means they are aware
- Lab experiments and field experiments
Experimenter effects: The potential influence observers have on the behavior of the subjects.
- Ways to lessen experimenter effects: Avoiding observer bias may lessen these effects

Data Collection

Narrative records, recoding, data reduction
Checklists, sampling methods
Nomothetic approach: Focuses on general laws.
Idiographic approach: Focuses on unique patterns of individuals.

Single-Subject Experimental Designs

Distinction from case studies
Circumstances for use

Baseline Data

Characteristics: A clear baseline that shows consistent and stable performance
Importance: Helps researchers to identify changes in behavior and measure the effectiveness of interventions
- Withdrawal design
- Reversal design
- Alternating-treatments design
- Multiple-baselines design
- Changing-criterion design

Threats to Internal Validity

Factors that can affect internal validity in single-subject experimental designs

Physical Trace Studies

Benefits and dangers of using physical trace studies
- Traces vs. products
- Accretion vs. erosion
- Natural vs. controlled measures
- Continuous vs. discontinuous records
- Records versus documents
- Coding systems

"Big Data"

Definition and examples of big datasets
Research questions that are best suited for analyses of big datasets
Difficulties of working with big datasets

Validity

Discussion of internal validity and external validity
Definitions of independent variables, dependent variables, and subject variables.
How correlations might occur (e.g., X causes Y; Y causes X; Z influences both X and Y; spurious correlations)
Mean, median, and mode
Standard deviations and ranges, entropy

Error Types

Type I error: False positive (looking for an effect that doesn't exist)
Type II error: False negative (not detecting an effect that exists)
- Random selection
- Random assignment
- Factorial designs: Within-subjects, between-groups, mixed designs (split plot).
Describing factorial design: -Identifying main effects -Identifying interactions
- Calculating marginal means
- Describing cells

Research Designs

Describing different research designs such as true experiments, quasi-experiments, correlational studies, observational studies.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of quasi-experiments and observational studies, highlighting their definitions, designs, and potential confounds. Understand the distinctions and methodologies used in these types of research. Perfect for those preparing for their final exam in research methods.