Research Methods in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

The variability can be controlled by statistical manipulations.

False

What is the definition of internal validity?

When an experiment shows a stable and sure functional relation between the independent and dependent variable(s).

What are the four elements related to internal validity issues?

Subject confounds, setting confounds, measurement confounds, IV confounds.

Define double-blind control.

When neither the subject(s) nor the observers know whether the IV is present or absent. Signup and view all the answers

What does treatment integrity refer to?

The extent to which the IV is applied exactly as planned/described. Signup and view all the answers

What is external validity?

When a functional relation can be found reliable and socially valid in different conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is direct replication?

The researcher makes every effort to duplicate exactly the conditions of an earlier experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What does social validity measure?

The relevance and importance of the goals of a program. Signup and view all the answers

Define positive reinforcement in technical terms.

Occurs when a behavior is followed immediately by the presentation of a stimulus that increases the future frequency of the behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What dimensions of behavior can be affected by reinforcement?

Duration, latency, magnitude, topography. Signup and view all the answers

A reinforcer can affect the response that it follows.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the independent variable?

The intervention or treatment method. Signup and view all the answers

What does a parametric analysis seek to accomplish?

To discover the differential effects of a range of values of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is baseline logic?

A form of experimental reasoning in behavior analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'prediction' and give an example.

Prediction is the anticipated outcome of future measurements. Example: Predicting a child's kicking behavior based on previous data. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'verification' and give an example.

Verification demonstrates that the baseline level of behavior would have remained unchanged without the intervention. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'replication' and give an example.

Replication means repeating IV manipulations to obtain similar outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the phases in a reversal design?

Initial baseline (A), intervention (B), return to baseline (A). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the A-B-A design.

A three-phase experimental design consisting of an initial baseline, intervention, and return to baseline. Signup and view all the answers

What are sequence effects?

The effects on behavior due to previous experiences with conditions. Signup and view all the answers

When would reversal designs be inappropriate?

For self-injurious behaviors (SIBs) and acquired skills. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of reversal designs?

Ethical issues in withdrawing effective interventions. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes alternating treatment designs?

Rapid alteration of two or more distinct treatments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of events in multiple baseline design?

Collect initial baseline data, apply treatment sequentially across behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What types of behaviors should multiple baseline design address?

Behaviors that are likely irreversible or where reversal is unethical. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of baselines recommended for proof of a functional relationship in the multiple baseline design?

Minimally 3. Signup and view all the answers

What are some advantages of the multiple baseline design?

It does not require withdrawing treatment, is more socially acceptable, and targets multiple behavior changes. Signup and view all the answers

For the changing criterion design, what is its purpose?

To evaluate gradual improvement in a behavior already in the subject's repertoire. Signup and view all the answers

Why do analysts have concerns about traditional group designs?

Data from groups may conceal individual variabilities in behavior changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is an artifact?

An artifact occurs when it seems as though a behavior exists due to the method of measurement. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'permanent product'?

A permanent product is a change in the environment produced by a behavior that lasts long enough for measurement to take place. Signup and view all the answers

List at least four advantages of permanent product data.

<ol> <li>The practitioner is free to do other tasks. 2. Measurement of behaviors at inconvenient times is possible. 3. Facilitates data collection for interobserver agreement. 4. Enables measurement of complex behaviors.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 3 indicators of 'trustworthy' measurement.

Validity, accuracy, and reliability. Signup and view all the answers

Define and distinguish between direct and indirect measurement.

Direct measurement involves measuring the actual behavior, while indirect measurement infers behavior based on secondary data. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between continuous recording and sampling recording.

Continuous recording tracks every instance of behavior, while sampling recording measures behavior at specified intervals. Signup and view all the answers

Name the three threats to measurement accuracy and reliability.

Poorly designed measurement system, inadequate observer training, unintended influences on observers. Signup and view all the answers

How do we maximize the quality of observers who are taking our data?

By providing sufficient training, organizing a good measurement system, and offering regular retraining. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how we assess the accuracy and reliability of data.

By comparing observed values with true values, where higher consistency indicates greater reliability. Signup and view all the answers

Define interobserver agreement (IOA).

IOA occurs when two data collectors independently report the same data during the same measurement. Signup and view all the answers

List the requisites for obtaining valid IOA measures.

Observers must use the same measurement system, measure the same events, and be independent. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the considerations in selecting, obtaining, and reporting IOA information.

IOA should be assessed frequently, utilizing various collection methods, with an acceptable rate of 80% or higher. Signup and view all the answers

Define the terms 'data' and 'Graph'.

Data refers to the results of measurement, while a graph is a visual format for displaying data. Signup and view all the answers

Cite a minimum of four benefits of graphically displayed data.

Immediate access to visual records, enables exploration of behavior variations, assists in interpretation, and provides visual analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Define a line graph, its characteristics, and parts.

A two-dimensional area formed by the intersection of two perpendicular lines. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the different parts of a graph.

Abscissa, ordinate, condition change lines, condition labels, data points, data path, figure caption. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a 'multiple data path' graph, and describe how it differs from a simple line graph.

An example measures the effects of intervention on two behaviors, like biting and social interaction. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how to determine whether a measured response is improving when looking at a cumulative graph.

The steeper the slope of the data path, the greater the response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for having a logarithmic scale?

It permits assessments of proportional or relative rates of change. Signup and view all the answers

Define variability, level, and trend.

Variability indicates how much data points differ, level reflects average behavior, and trend describes the overall direction. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between mean level line, median level line, and split middle line of progress.

Mean Level Line represents average behavior; Median Level Line reflects typical performance; Split Middle Line shows overall trend. Signup and view all the answers

What is experimental control, why is it important and how is it demonstrated?

Experimental control is when changes in behavior can be reliably produced by manipulating the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Define internal validity and confounding variables.

Internal validity shows changes in behavior are due to independent variables; confounding variables are uncontrolled influences on the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of an experiment in applied behavior analysis?

Participant, behavior, setting, measurement system, treatment condition, and manipulations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable in an experiment?

An independent variable is manipulated to observe effects on the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of science?

Science seeks to discover nature's truths. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three levels of understanding?

The three levels of understanding are description, prediction, and control. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it wrong to assume correlated variables are causally related?

Correlated variables must be manipulated in an experiment to determine causal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'functional relations'.

Functional relations show consistent changes in the dependent variable due to manipulations of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

List each 'attitude' (or behavior) of science.

Determinism, empiricism, experimentation, replication, parsimony, and philosophic doubt. Signup and view all the answers

What is determinism?

The belief that the world is lawful, where every event is a consequence of preceding events. Signup and view all the answers

What is empiricism?

Empiricism involves observing the world objectively, based on lawful relationships rather than subjective speculation. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to conduct experiments on correlated variables?

To identify whether changes in the dependent variable relate to other variables or the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'conduct' an experiment?

To test the dependent variable against multiple independent variables while controlling for other factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is parsimony?

The practice of ruling out simple explanations before considering more complex ones. Signup and view all the answers

What is philosophic doubt?

An attitude of continually questioning the truthfulness of scientific theories and knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Name the three branches of Behavior Analysis.

Behaviorism, experimental analysis of behavior, and applied behavior analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between respondent and operant behavior?

Respondent behavior is involuntary and occurs as a response to a stimulus, while operant behavior is influenced by its consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Define hypothetical constructs and give examples.

Hypothetical constructs are unobservable events or processes, such as emotions or beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

List the terms of the '3-term contingency' and explain how it is different from Watson's S-R psychology.

Antecedent, behavior, consequence. It differs as it acknowledges the importance of consequences shaping behavior, not just stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Define and describe the experimental analysis of behavior.

It involves manipulating the independent variable to assess its impact on behavior, the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between radical behaviorism, mentalism, and methodological behaviorism.

Mentalism attributes behavior to private events; radical behaviorism includes both observable and private events, while methodological behaviorism focuses only on observable behavior. Signup and view all the answers

List, define, and describe the 'Defining characteristics' of ABA presented by Cooper, et al.

Applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective, and generality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'applied behavior analysis' offered by Cooper, et al.?

The science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'behavior' according to Johnston and Pennypacker?

The interaction a person has with the environment, requiring movement that affects it. Signup and view all the answers

Explain temporal locus, temporal extent, and repeatability.

Temporal locus refers to when behaviors occur, temporal extent measures how long they last, and repeatability tracks how often they happen. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between behavior and response.

A response is an instance of behavior elicited by a signal, whereas behavior encompasses all interactions with the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'stimulus' in the context of the environment.

A stimulus is a change in energy that signals receptor cells in our bodies. Signup and view all the answers

Explain 'respondent' behavior.

Respondent behavior occurs involuntarily in response to a stimulus, with no consequences involved. Signup and view all the answers

Explain 'operant'.

A consistent learned response to stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Define a contingency.

Contingency means the dependency or relationship between variables and operant behavior. Signup and view all the answers

List the three dimensions of measurement of behavior and define each.

Repeatability (counting behavior), temporal extent (duration of behavior), and temporal locus (point in time behavior occurs). Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between temporal dimension and repeatability dimension of behavior?

Temporal dimension relates to the timing and duration of behavior, while repeatability tracks the frequency of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a derivative measure?

Derivative measures include percentage and trials-to-criterion, derived from previous behavior outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What are some devices that can be used for event recording?

Wrist counters, hand-tally counters, digital devices, and basic methods like calculators and tape markings. Signup and view all the answers

Name the advantages and potential disadvantages/considerations of event recording.

Event recording is easy to use but difficult for behaviors without clear beginnings/ends, high-frequency behaviors, or extended durations. Signup and view all the answers

Define Time Sampling.

Time sampling consists of methods for observing and recording behavior during specific intervals. Signup and view all the answers

For interval recording, what is the difference between partial and whole interval?

Whole interval measures all instances of behavior during a set time, while partial interval notes if behavior occurred, but not frequency. Signup and view all the answers

What is reactivity?

Reactivity refers to changes in a person's behavior during an assessment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Behavioral Cusp'?

A behavioral cusp refers to behavioral changes leading to further development and learning opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'pivotal behavior' and how is it different from a behavioral cusp?

Pivotal behavior enables responses to various cues, while a behavioral cusp expands opportunities for learning by modifying behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of Science

Science aims to discover the truths of nature.

Levels of Understanding

Three levels: description (collect and analyze observations), prediction (correlations between events), control (using findings to create change).
Description entails creating hypotheses based on observed data.
Prediction recognizes patterns that enable analysis of causal relationships.
Control allows for the manipulation of variables to effect change.

Correlated Variables

Correlation does not imply causation; must conduct experiments to determine relationships.

Functional Relations

A functional relation occurs when changes in the independent variable produce consistent changes in the dependent variable.
Examples: tantrums leading to increased attention and smoking increasing risk of cancer.

Attitudes of Scientists

Determinism (lawful nature of behavior), empiricism (objective observation), experimentation (testing hypotheses), replication (consistent results), parsimony (simplest explanations first), and philosophic doubt (constant questioning of knowledge).

Determinism

View of the world as governed by laws that lead to predictable outcomes, essential for behavior analysis.

Empiricism

Requires objective observation and measurement of behavior over subjective interpretations.

Importance of Experiments

Experiments clarify whether changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable or external factors.

Conducting Experiments

Tests must isolate the dependent variable against various independent variables.

Parsimony

Preference for simple, logical explanations before considering complex theories.

Philosophic Doubt

Encouragement to continually question and validate scientific theories.

Branches of Behavior Analysis

Behaviorism (philosophy), experimental analysis (researching functional relationships), and applied behavior analysis (technology for behavior modification).

Respondent vs. Operant Behavior

Respondent behavior is involuntary and reflexive; operant behavior is learned and influenced by its consequences.

Hypothetical Constructs

Concepts assumed but not directly measurable or observable, such as explanations for feelings or emotions.

Three-Term Contingency

Behavior shaped by antecedents (triggers), behavior itself, and consequences (results of behavior).

Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Focuses on behavior-environment interactions, manipulation of independent variables, and observation of learned responses.

Behavioral Theories Comparison

Radical behaviorism includes private events; mentalism attributes behavior primarily to private events; methodological behaviorism excludes private events from scientific study.

Defining Characteristics of ABA

Applied (social significance), Behavioral (focus on observed behavior), Analytic (functional analysis), Technological (replicable methods), Conceptually systematic (based on principles), Effective (positive change), Generality (applies beyond the initial conditions).

Definition of Applied Behavior Analysis

Systematic application of behavioral principles to improve significant behaviors.

Definition of Behavior

Interaction between a person and their environment that influences or changes the environment.

Temporal Aspects of Behavior

Temporal locus: when behavior occurs; Temporal extent: duration behavior lasts; Repeatability: frequency of behavior occurrences.

Difference Between Behavior and Response

Response refers to an isolated instance; behavior is the interaction with the environment resulting from responses.

Stimulus

A change in energy that prompts a reaction in an individual.

Respondent Behavior Details

Elicited by antecedents with no consequences influencing the behavior; reflexes are involuntary responses to stimuli.

Definition of Operant

A learned response to environmental stimuli based on past consequences.

Contingency

The relationship between independent variables and operant behavior.

Dimensions of Measurement

Repeatability (counting behavior), temporal extent (duration), temporal locus (when behavior occurs).

Temporal vs. Repeatability

Temporal dimensions focus on timing and duration; repeatability measures frequency of occurrences.

Derivative Measures

Percentage and trials-to-criterion derived from behavioral data.

Event Recording Devices

Tools like wrist counters, hand-tally devices, and pocket calculators facilitate event counting.

Advantages and Considerations of Event Recording

Easy and user-friendly but challenged by behaviors without clear beginnings or high frequency.

Time Sampling

A method for observing behavior during defined intervals.

Interval Recording

Whole interval records behaviors over time while partial interval measures occurrence regardless of frequency.

Reactivity

The influence of assessment on participant behavior, potentially altering results.

Behavioral Cusp

Changes emerging that lead to more opportunities for learning and interaction.

Pivotal Behavior

Skills enabling generalization across multiple situations, distinct from specific behavioral changes of a cusp.

Variable vs. Equal Interval Time Sampling

Variable interval measures behavior occurrence variably within time frames; equal interval measures at set times.

Artifacts in Measurement

Measurement errors that create misleading impressions of behavior existence or absence.

Permanent Product

Lasting changes produced by behavior, observed as data.

Advantages of Permanent Product Data

Allows for efficient measurement without direct observation, facilitates interobserver agreement, and covers complex behaviors.

Trustworthy Measurement Indicators

Validity (relevance and accuracy of data), accuracy (true reflection of behavior), reliability (consistency of results across measures).### Measurement Accuracy and Reliability
Accuracy refers to how closely data values match the true values of an event.
Reliability focuses on the consistency of data, indicating that similar results can be replicated through repeated measurements.

Direct and Indirect Measurement

Direct measurement captures the actual behavior being observed, preferred in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for valid data.
Indirect measurement relies on inference, suitable for private events or when direct observation isn't possible.

Continuous vs. Sampling Recording

Continuous recording captures every instance of a target behavior, providing a comprehensive view.
Sampling recording collects data at specified intervals, potentially missing some occurrences.
Continuous measurement offers accuracy but demands full focus; sampling allows for flexibility but may yield less valid data.

Threats to Measurement Accuracy and Reliability

Poorly designed measurement systems can lead to inaccuracies; a single data collection method is recommended.
Inadequate observer training results in misrecording behaviors; training and preliminary exams can mitigate this issue.
Unintended influences on observers, such as expectations, can skew results; using naive observers helps reduce bias.

Maximizing Observer Quality

Training and retraining observers ensures accurate data collection and promotes understanding of measurement techniques.

Assessing Accuracy and Reliability

Accuracy of data is determined by comparing observed values with true values; reliability increases with consistent and replicable data.

Interobserver Agreement (IOA)

Interobserver Agreement (IOA) involves two observers independently recording the same data, crucial for establishing competence and data integrity.
Valid IOA requires the same measurement systems, simultaneous observations, and independence among observers.

IOA Information Reporting

IOA assessments should occur throughout a study with varying conditions; rates of 80% or higher are generally accepted.

Data and Graph Definitions

Data: Quantified results of measurements in ABA.
Graph: Visual representation of data relationships.

Benefits of Graphical Data Display

Immediate visual record aids in ongoing analysis.
Facilitates exploration of behavioral variations as they occur.
Acts as a judgmental aid for interpreting results.
Provides a conservative method for determining significance.

Line Graph Characteristics

A two-dimensional space formed by intersecting perpendicular lines; points in this space indicate relationships between two variables.

Identifying Graph Components

Abscissa: Horizontal axis, typically representing time or independent variable values.
Ordinate: Vertical axis, representing dependent variable values.
Condition change lines indicate shifts in the independent variable.
Data points reflect behavior measures during observations.

Multiple Data Path Graphs

Multiple data paths assess the effects of an intervention on various dependent variables, contrasting with simple line graphs that focus on single behaviors.

Cumulative Graph Interpretation

The slope of the data path on a cumulative graph indicates response improvement; steeper slopes represent greater responses.

Logarithmic Scale Purpose

Allows assessment of proportional rates of change, differing from equal-interval scales.

Key Terms: Variability, Level, Trend

Variability: Variance in multiple behavior measures.
Level: Average value around which behavior measures gather.
Trend: Overall direction of data, influencing future predictions.

Mean, Median, and Split Middle Lines

Mean Level Line: Average value of a series of measures displayed on the graph.
Median Level Line: Most common performance value, less influenced by outliers.
Split Middle Line: Represents overall trend, dividing data points into equal halves.

Experimental Control

Achieved when predictable behavior changes result from systematic manipulation of the environment; essential for reliable behavior analysis.

Internal Validity and Confounding Variables

High internal validity confirms behavioral changes arise solely from the independent variable.
Confounding variables are uncontrolled factors suspected to influence the dependent variable.

APA Experiment Components

Essential components include participants, behaviors, settings, measurement systems, intervention conditions, and experimental design.

Independent vs. Dependent Variables

Independent variable: Intervention method; dependent variable: behavior being measured, influenced by the independent variable.

Parametric Analysis Goals

Seeks to determine the differential effects of varied independent variable values on behavior.

Baseline Logic Elements

Prediction, verification (confirming no change without intervention), and replication (repeating IV manipulations for consistent outcomes).

Prediction Definition and Importance

Prediction involves anticipated outcomes; stable data over 3-5 points enhances prediction confidence.

Verification and Example

Demonstrating unchanged baseline levels upon IV withdrawal confirms the intervention's effects; an increase in behavior upon return to baseline validates conclusions.

Replication Explanation

Repeating IV manipulations shows consistent outcomes, reinforcing reliability and demonstrating repeatability in behavioral change.

Reversal Design Phases

Involves initial baseline, introduction of intervention, followed by a return to baseline to assess the IV's impact.

Types of Reversal Designs

A-B-A Design: Initial baseline phase, intervention phase, return to baseline, assessing reversibility in behavior changes.### A-B-A-B Design
A-B-A-B design includes four phases: initial baseline (A), intervention (B), return to baseline (A), and second intervention (B).
Ideal for evaluating behavior changes and treatment effects through repeated measurement.

Variations of A-B-A-B Design

Repeated Reversals (ABABAB): Extends A-B-A-B by including multiple withdrawal and reintroduction phases to strengthen evidence of effect.
Multiple Treatment Reversals (ABCACBC): Compares effects of two or more interventions by incorporating multiple baseline phases with varied treatments.
Noncontingent Reinforcement Reversals: Utilizes noncontingent reinforcement as a control to assess true reinforcement effects.
DRI/DRA Reversals: Employs differential reinforcement of incompatible or alternative behaviors to show true reinforcement effects compared to no reinforcement.
DRO Reversals: Implements differential reinforcement of other behaviors to demonstrate reinforcement effectiveness.
BAB Design: Begins with treatment (B) to measure effects before withdrawing to baseline (A), then reintroducing treatment (B) for a second assessment.

Sequence Effects

Sequence effects arise when a subject's behavior is influenced by experiences from prior conditions.
Important for ensuring internal validity by indicating whether behavior changes result from experimental manipulation or previous experiences.

Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Use of Reversal Designs

Appropriate for decreasing undesirable behaviors, such as improper disposal of materials.
Inappropriate for dangerous behaviors (e.g., self-injurious behaviors) due to ethical concerns about reverting to unsafe conditions.

Disadvantages of Reversal Designs

Ethical issues in withdrawing an effective intervention.
Irreversibility may occur; earlier behaviors may not return to baseline when the intervention is removed.
Dangerous behaviors pose increased risk if reverted to baseline.

Alternating Treatment Designs

Characterized by rapid manipulation of two or more treatments to measure their effects on target behavior.
Can be implemented across daily sessions, in separate or the same-day sessions for comparison.

Assessing Experimental Control in Alternating Treatments

Visual inspection of data paths reveals predictably distinct treatment effects.
Lack of data overlap signifies effective treatment differentiation.

Multiple Baseline Design

Involves simultaneous initial baseline data collection across behaviors, settings, or individuals, with sequential introduction of interventions.
Functional relation demonstrated when behavior shifts from baseline to treatment phases.

Appropriate Behaviors for Multiple Baseline Design

Best for behaviors that are irreversible or when it’s impractical or unethical to alternate conditions.

Minimum Number of Baselines for Functionality

At least three baselines are recommended to observe reliable trends and inflections.

Planning Considerations for Multiple Baseline Designs

Select independent yet similar behaviors to ensure reliable responses to applied treatment.
Concurrent measurement allows for relevant influences to be acknowledged.
Intervening on the most stable baseline strengthens validity.

Multiple Probe and Delayed Multiple Baseline Designs

Multiple Probe Designs: Good for assessing skill sequences by taking intermittent measurements instead of prolonged baseline to reduce reactivity.
Delayed Multiple Baseline Designs: Starts baseline measurements later, maintaining analysis coherence across behaviors.

Advantages and Limitations of Multiple Baseline Design

Advantages include ethical treatment application without withdrawal and applicability to multiple behavior changes.
Limitations include potential difficulty demonstrating experimental control and weaker conclusions than reversal designs.

Changing Criterion Design

Evaluates gradual improvements in existing behaviors through stepwise treatment phases.
Requires stable baseline behavior and demonstrates control by aligning behavior changes with new criteria over time.

Logic Behind Changing Criterion Design

Stable length phases ensure reliable behavior adaptation to new performance standards.
Confirming functional relations bolstered by the frequency of criteria adjustments and reversals to previous standards.

Concerns About Traditional Group Designs

Group data may not reflect individual variations, obscuring true functional relationships and limiting individual analysis.

Internal Validity Defined

Stability and certainty in demonstrating effects between independent and dependent variables.

Subject, setting, measurement, and IV confounds can threaten accurate interpretations of experimental results.

Definitions of Control Mechanisms

Double-blind control: Maintains experimental integrity by keeping both subjects and observers unaware of treatment conditions.
Treatment integrity: Ensures IV application adheres to predefined parameters.
Treatment drift: Refers to changes in how the IV is applied over time, potentially compromising consistency.
Procedural reliability: Verifies that implementation aligns with planned structures.

External Validity Defined

Ensures that experimental results can generalize across different conditions, settings, and populations, in contrast to internal validity focused on within-experiment relationships.

Types of Replication

Direct Replication: Strives for identical experimental conditions; includes intrasubject and intersubject variants.
Systematic Replication: Alters specific experiment elements to examine reliability and external validity.

Encompasses the relevance and acceptance of program goals and procedures, with measurement involving consumer satisfaction and appropriateness of targeted behavior outcomes.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in research methods, focusing on internal and external validity, treatment integrity, and double-blind controls. Test your understanding of the elements affecting internal validity and how they influence research outcomes.