Bivariate Correlational Designs and Types of Research

These flashcards cover key concepts related to bivariate correlational designs, types of research, and validity in the context of research methodology.

Bivariate Correlational Designs

Involves two variables that are measured, without manipulated variables.

Positive Association

Increases in one variable relate to increases in another.

Negative Association

Increases in one variable relate to decreases in another.

Magnitude of Correlation

Strong: High correlation values (near to 1 or -1); Weak: Low correlation values (near to 0).

Association Claims Language

Avoid causal language; use phrases like 'is linked to' or 'is associated with'.

Predictor Variable

Variable that predicts or influences the outcome variable.

Outcome Variable

The result or variable that is affected by the predictor variable.

Construct Validity

The extent to which predictors and outcomes are measured well.

External Validity

Do the study results generalize to other samples?

Internal Validity

The ability of a study to accurately determine causal relationships.

Moderator Variable

A variable that changes the strength or direction of the relationship between two other variables.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistic that measures the direction and strength of the relationship between two variables.

Statistical Significance

An association is statistically significant when p < .05 and the confidence interval does not contain zero.

Power in Statistical Terms

The ability to detect an effect if one exists, higher sample sizes improve power.

Third Variable Problem

The presence of alternative explanations that may confound the relationship between two variables.

Covariance

The extent to which two variables vary together.

Temporal Precedence

The requirement that the cause occurs before the effect in time.

Internal Validity Criteria

Covariance, temporal precedence, and rule out alternative explanations are necessary for establishing causality.

Longitudinal Designs

Studies that measure the same variables over time to establish temporal precedence.

Cross-Lagged Correlation

A method in longitudinal research examining whether earlier measures of one variable predict later measures of another.

Mediation

Investigates underlying mechanisms between two correlated variables, explaining the reasons for their relationship.

Mediation Steps

Confirm predictor relates to the outcome; confirm predictor relates to the mediator; confirm mediator relates to the outcome.

Noise in Research

Uncontrolled variables that can obscure relationships in studies.

Random Assignment

A method to eliminate selection effects by randomly assigning participants to groups.

Quasi-Experiment

A research design that does not have full control over the independent variable and lacks random assignment.

Replication Crisis

A phenomenon where many studies fail to replicate, raising questions about their reliability.

WEIRD Samples

Refers to research conducted on Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic populations, raising issues of generalizability.

Null Hypothesis (H₀)

The hypothesis that there is no effect or difference.

Type I Error

Error occurring when a true null hypothesis is rejected (false positive).

Type II Error

Error occurring when a false null hypothesis is retained (false negative).

Open Science Principles

Encourage transparency, sharing of data and materials, and larger sample sizes in research.