Small N Designs in Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What is a primary limitation of Small N Designs related to generalizing results?

  • They typically involve too few subjects for broader applicability. (correct)
  • They lack sufficient data for statistical analysis.
  • They focus too heavily on external variables.
  • They require complex designs to test interaction effects.

    • What ethical concern arises with the Withdrawal Design when treatment is effective?

  • It is difficult to assess the long-term impact of treatment.
  • Withdrawal may lead to loss of beneficial effects. (correct)
  • Participants might expect compensation for their treatment.
  • Subjects may become dependent on the treatment.

    • Which of the following best describes a Changing Criterion Design?

  • It focuses on comparing the effects of a placebo and an active treatment.
  • It involves alternating between treatment and control phases.
  • It establishes multiple baselines before treatment.
  • It uses progressively stricter reinforcement criteria to shape behavior. (correct)

    • What is a significant advantage of Multiple-Baseline Designs?

    <p>They avoid ethical concerns associated with withdrawal of effective treatment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a traditional Withdrawal Design, what happens to behavior during the withdrawal phase?

    <p>Behavior typically reverts to baseline levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential problem with interpreting results from a Multiple-Baseline Design?

    <p>Treatment effects may generalize across behaviors or settings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a core element of Small N Designs?

    <p>Control Group Comparison (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception regarding the external validity of Small N Designs?

    <p>They can be generalized to large populations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary limitation of small N designs in research?

    <p>Generalizability of findings may be limited. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ethical concern is crucial when conducting research involving human participants?

    <p>Ensuring the participants are well-informed and can give consent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Changing criterion design involves which key element?

    <p>Incrementally changing the criteria for reinforcement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of a withdrawal design in research?

    <p>Removing the treatment to observe changes in behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In multiple-baseline design, what is primarily varied?

    <p>The timing of when interventions are introduced. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about ethical concerns in research?

    <p>Ethics can be overlooked if the research yields significant findings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of translational research?

    <p>To apply basic scientific findings to real-world problems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does 'mundane realism' primarily examine in research settings?

    <p>The extent to which the study mirrors real-life situations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation associated with Small N Designs in research?

    <p>Reliance on visual inspection may reduce objectivity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ethical concern is most relevant when utilizing Small N Designs?

    <p>Informed consent must always be obtained. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a Changing Criterion Design, what aspect is modified to assess behavioral change?

    <p>Criteria for reinforcement are gradually altered. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a Withdrawal Design in behavioral research?

    <p>The treatment is removed to observe changes in behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a Multiple-Baseline Design from other research designs?

    <p>It examines multiple behaviors across different subjects or settings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential issue when interpreting baseline issues in Small N Designs?

    <p>Unstable or pre-existing trends can complicate outcomes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a commonly recognized bias that could affect empirical experiences in psychology?

    <p>Confirmation bias. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of scientific research, which characteristic contributes to objectivity?

    <p>Applying systematic observation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Empirical Question

    A testable question that can be studied using scientific methods.

    Applied Research

    Research aimed at solving real-world problems.

    Basic Research

    Research to understand fundamental principles.

    Translational Research

    Research bridging basic and applied research.

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    Construct

    An abstract idea inferred from behavior.

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    Operational Definition

    How a construct is measured or manipulated.

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    Converging Operations

    Using multiple operational definitions of a construct.

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    Pseudoscience

    Claims about behavior that lack scientific basis.

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    Data Analysis Limitations

    Data analysis relying on visual inspection instead of statistical tests might reduce objectivity.

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    Baseline Issues

    Unstable or pre-existing trends in baseline data can make interpretations of results more complicated.

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    Small N Designs

    Small N Designs are useful in operant conditioning, focusing on changes in behavior frequency.

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    Authority as a way of knowing

    Accepting information based on a perceived expert's word.

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    Logic and Reason

    Using reasoning to reach conclusions based on verified premises.

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    Empiricism

    Gaining knowledge through observation or direct experience.

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    Science as a way of knowing

    Science emphasizes objectivity and systematic observation to develop reliable knowledge.

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    Statistical Determinism

    The idea that all events have causes, allowing for probabilistic predictions.

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    A-B Design

    A simple design that measures baseline (A) and treatment (B) phases, with a simple implementation.

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    Withdrawal Design

    Alternates between baseline (A) and treatment (B) phases, then returns to baseline (A) - to confirm if treatment is impacting behavior.

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    Multiple-Baseline Design

    Baseline established for multiple behaviors, subjects, or settings; treatment is introduced sequentially, avoiding treatment withdrawal.

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    A-A1-B Design

    Tests for placebo effects, usually drug studies, A = baseline, A1 = placebo, B = treatment.

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    Changing Criterion Design

    Progressively stricter reinforcement criteria, similar to shaping, used to develop habits (diet, exercise, study).

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    Baseline Measurement

    Establishing the pre-treatment frequency or rate of a behavior, serves as a comparison point.

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    Study Notes

    Small N Designs

    • Analyze data for each individual subject, not groups
    • Useful in clinical settings to assess treatment effectiveness
    • Avoids obscuring individual differences seen in larger group studies

    Core Elements of Small N Designs

    • Operational Definition: Clearly define the target behavior
    • Baseline Measurement: Establish pre-treatment behavior levels (frequency/rate)
    • Treatment Application: Introduce, monitor the treatment's impact

    Types of Small N Designs

    1. A-B Design

    • Strength: Simple to implement
    • Weakness: Prone to confounds like history or maturation, lacking a withdrawal/control phase

    2. Withdrawal (Reversal) Design

    • Method: Alternates between baseline (A) and treatment (B) phases.
    • Advantages: Demonstrates correlations between treatment and behavior changes by showing changes during treatment application
    • Enhanced Version (A-B-A-B): Adds a second treatment phase for further confirmation
    • Limitations: Ethical concerns if treatment proven effective but needs to be withdrawn, and impractical if learned behavior doesn't revert to baseline

    Multiple-Baseline Design

    • Baseline established across behaviors, subjects, or settings
    • Treatment introduced sequentially
    • Avoids treatment withdrawal

    A-A1-B Design

    • Tests for placebo effects in drug studies
    • Treatment phase (B) compared to two baseline phases (A and A1)

    Changing Criterion Design

    • Progressive stricter criteria for reinforcement
    • Useful in shaping habits (e.g., dieting, exercise)

    Criticisms of Small N Designs

    • Interaction Effects: Testing these typically involves complex and lengthy designs
    • External Validity: Limited generalizability to broader populations
    • Dependent Variable Limitations: Primarily focused on frequency/rate of response
    • Data Analysis: Relies on visual inspection instead of statistical tests, potentially reducing objectivity
    • Baseline Issues: Pre-existing trends in baseline data can skew interpretations

    Relevance to B.F. Skinner and Operant Conditioning

    • Skinner advocated for small N designs due to their precision and utility for studying operant conditioning.
    • Addresses real-world problems using applied behavior analysis

    Scientific Thinking in Psychology

    • Authority: Accepting information from perceived experts (problem: experts may be wrong or biased)
    • Logic and Reason: Using reasoning to reach conclusions (problem: accurate premises are essential)
    • Experience: Gaining knowledge through observation/direct experience (problem: prone to social biases like belief perseverance or confirmation bias)
    • Science: Most reliable approach for developing beliefs, emphasizes objectivity and systematic observation.

    Attributes of Science

    • Statistical determinism: Events have causes, outcomes can be predicted probabilistically
    • Systematic observation: Organized, planned observations to minimize bias
    • Objectivity: Operationalizing terms/methods to allow replication
    • Data-driven: Conclusions based on systematic data collection and evidence
    • Empirical questions: Testable questions, crucial in science

    Pseudoscience

    • Claims lacking scientific grounding
    • Relies on anecdotal evidence, ignores contradictory evidence, does not use the scientific method

    Developing Ideas for Research

    Types of Research

    • Applied research: Addresses real-world problems (e.g., child-rearing, education)
    • Basic research: Aims to understand fundamental principles
    • Translational research: Bridges basic and applied research, applying basic knowledge to practical problems

    Settings for Research

    • Laboratory: Controlled environment
    • Field: Natural settings
    • Experimental realism: How engaging the study feels for participants.
    • Mundane realism: How closely the study reflects real-life situations

    Operational Definitions and Constructs

    • Construct: Abstract concepts like anxiety or intelligence
    • Operational definition: Precise description of how a construct is measured or manipulated
    • Converging operations: Use multiple different operational definitions to study a single construct

    The Role of Theory

    • A logically consistent set of principles that summarizes knowledge, explains behavior, and generates hypotheses
    • Good theories show productivity, falsifiability, and parsimony
    • Hypotheses are specific predictions derived from theories

    Scientific Method

    • Deduction: Formulate specific hypotheses from broader theories
    • Research Process: Design, conduct study, collect data, analyze results
    • Induction: Use findings to support or modify theories
    • Critical Approach: Recognizing flaws in methodology and adapting accordingly

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    Related Documents

    Small N Designs PDF

    Description

    Explore the intricacies of Small N Designs, a crucial methodology in psychological research. This quiz covers key elements such as operational definitions, baseline measurements, and the various types of Small N designs including A-B and Withdrawal designs. Gain insights into their effectiveness, strengths, and limitations in clinical settings.

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