Research Methods in Psychology: Case Studies and Correlational Studies

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to research methods in psychology, specifically case studies and correlational studies, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Case Study

An in-depth study of one individual, often used for rare occurrences, to gain useful data.

Weakness of Case Studies

Inability to generalize findings to the general population due to studying only one instance.

Strength of Case Studies

Can provide "existence proofs," showing that something can happen, and inspire future experiments or scientific questions.

Phineas Gage

A railroad worker in the 1800s who survived a traumatic brain injury (rod through frontal lobe), leading to a significant personality change, which informed early understanding of brain function.

Existence Proofs

A concept illustrated by case studies, meaning it shows that a particular phenomenon or event can happen, even if it doesn't happen frequently or widely.

Correlational Studies

Research methods used to examine the relationship between two variables, primarily allowing for prediction.

Correlation

A relationship between two things where they are 'co-related' to each other.

Positive Correlation

Occurs when two variables change in the same direction; as one variable goes up, the other tends to go up, and vice versa (e.g., height and weight).

Negative Correlation

Occurs when two variables change in opposite directions; as one variable goes up, the other tends to go down, and vice versa (e.g., toothbrushing and tooth decay).

Strength of a Correlation

Indicated by the absolute value (size) of the correlation coefficient (r); a number closer to 1 (either positive or negative) signifies a stronger relationship, while 0 indicates no relationship.

Correlation Does Not Mean Causation

A fundamental principle stating that just because two variables are related or correlated, it does not imply that one directly causes the other; there might be a third variable or no direct causal link.

Third Variable Phenomenon

An unmeasured variable that influences both correlated variables, explaining their apparent relationship (e.g., warm weather influencing both ice cream sales and drownings).