Correlational Research and Homelessness Analysis

Correlational Research

Examines relationships between variables without manipulation.

Surveys

Common method for collecting correlational data.

Reliability

Consistency of a measure across different instances.

Validity

Extent to which a measure accurately reflects concept.

Internal Consistency Reliability

Measures interrelatedness of scale items, assessed by Cronbach's alpha.

Test-Retest Reliability

Stability of measure over time using repeated tests.

Alternative-Form Reliability

Correlation between different forms of a measure.

Inter-Rater Reliability

Agreement between multiple raters on observations.

Face Validity

Subjective judgment on whether a scale measures intended concept.

Content Validity

Coverage of relevant material in a measurement scale.

Construct Validity

Measures if a scale reflects theoretical construct accurately.

Criterion Validity

Correlation of a measure with an outcome criterion.

Concurrent Validity

How well a measure correlates with existing outcomes.

Predictive Validity

Ability of a measure to predict future outcomes.

Correlation Coefficient

Pearson r indicates strength and direction of relationship.

Scatter Plot

Visual representation of relationship between two variables.

Point-Biserial Correlation

Used for continuous and dichotomous variable relationships.

Dummy Coding

Converts categorical variables into numerical format.

Phi Coefficient

Measures association between two dichotomous variables.

ANOVA

Analysis of Variance for comparing means across groups.

ANCOVA

Analysis of Covariance, adjusting for other variables.

Multiple Regression Analysis

Examines relationship between one dependent and multiple independent variables.

Logistic Regression

Predicts probability of categorical dependent variable.

Factor Analysis

Identifies underlying relationships between variables.

Cluster Analysis

Groups similar observations based on characteristics.

Lifetime Prevalence of Homelessness

Percentage of population experiencing homelessness in their lifetime.

Sympathy Index

Strong negative correlation with homelessness rates (r=-.82).

Age Differences in Homelessness

Demographic patterns vary significantly across age groups.

Homelessness Prevalence in US

6.1% literal and 12.8% overall homelessness reported.

Mental Health

Psychological well-being affecting emotional and social functioning.

Depression T-score

Standardized score indicating severity of depression symptoms.

Anxiety T-score

Standardized score measuring intensity of anxiety symptoms.

MANCOVA

Statistical test assessing multiple dependent variables simultaneously.

Covariation

Relationship indicating changes in one variable affect another.

Temporal Precedence

Causal principle ensuring cause precedes effect.

Extraneous Variables

Uncontrolled factors that may influence study outcomes.

Internal Validity

Extent to rule out alternative explanations in study.

External Validity

Generalizability of study findings to other contexts.

Ecological Validity

Applicability of study results to real-world situations.

Non-Experimental Design

Research approach without manipulation of variables.

Observational Studies

Research method observing subjects without intervention.

Research Questions

Specific inquiries guiding study design and methodology.

Literature Review

Analysis of existing research to identify knowledge gaps.

Texting Prevalence

95% of students use phones in lectures daily.

Distracted Driving

Texting caused 16,000 fatalities from 2001-2007.

Independent Variable (IV)

Manipulated factor in an experiment to assess effects.

Dependent Variable (DV)

Outcome measured to evaluate the impact of IV.

Experimental Control

Use of confederates to enhance study realism.

Data Collection

Recording participant responses and performance metrics.

Informed Consent

Participants' agreement after understanding study details.

Statistical Tools

Methods for analyzing data and testing hypotheses.

Between-Subjects Design

Comparison of distinct groups to analyze variable effects.

Independent Samples t-test

Statistical test comparing means of two independent groups.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Measure of meaningful signal compared to background noise.

Statistical Power

Probability of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis.

SPSS

Software for statistical analysis and data management.

APA Style

Formatting guidelines for reporting research findings.

Effect Size

Magnitude of difference between groups in a study.

Manipulation Check

Assessment confirming the effectiveness of experimental manipulation.

Statistical Findings

Results indicating significant differences in distraction levels.

Restriction Impact

External restrictions affect cognitive performance in education.

t-test

Statistical test comparing means between two groups.

High-Restriction Group

Participants with increased limitations on distractions.

Low-Restriction Group

Participants with fewer limitations on distractions.

Distraction Levels

Perceived interference affecting cognitive performance.

PATH Studies

Research analyzing homeless populations in urban areas.

Cultural Context

Influence of culture on homelessness characteristics.

Probability Sampling

Method ensuring representative samples in research.

Demographic Analysis

Study of population characteristics across groups.

Chi-Square Test

Statistical test for categorical data relationships.

Participant Matching

Aligning participants to control confounding variables.

Control Groups

Groups used to compare effects of interventions.

Placebo Group

Participants receive no active treatment but believe they do.

Attention Placebo Group

Participants receive attention but no active treatment.

Empty Control Group

No treatment given, only assessment of outcomes.

Waiting-List Control Group

Participants receive treatment later for comparison.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for depression treatment.

Relapse Rates

Frequency of returning symptoms after treatment ends.

Psychotherapy

Therapeutic treatment focusing on mental health.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions

Treatments excluding medication, like exercise.

Therapeutic Relationships

Connection between therapist and client influencing outcomes.

Individualized Care

Tailoring treatment to meet specific patient needs.

Vulnerable Populations

Groups at higher risk for negative outcomes.

Ethical Considerations

Moral implications in conducting research with humans.

Comparative Analysis

Examining similarities and differences across groups.

Cognitive Performance

Ability to process information and perform tasks.

Toro Study

Compared natural helpers and professionals' effectiveness.

Strupp & Hadley Study

Involved therapists, professors, and waitlist control group.

Nonspecific Factors

Elements influencing therapy beyond professional help.

Tompsett et al. Study

Examined age differences among homeless individuals.

Demographic Breakdown

Revealed gender and racial differences in age groups.

Targeted Interventions

Tailored support for unique age group needs.

Census-Style Counts

Annual counts to estimate homeless population tonight.

Service Utilization

Data from shelters to assess homeless services.

Large-Scale Household Surveys

Random sampling to estimate homelessness prevalence.

Lifetime Prevalence

Cumulative homelessness experience over a lifetime.

Point Prevalence

Homelessness rate at a specific time.

Initial Large National Surveys

Representative samples of households for data collection.

Substance Use Correlation

Alcohol consumption linked to homelessness rates.

Adolescent Homelessness

Includes ages 12-17, predominantly female.