Different Methods in Abnormal Psych

statistical validity v clinical significance

effect size v how meaningful the difference actually is

social validity (who and what is it)

Wolf

• following up w family of patient to see if others validate

patient uniformity myth

viewing a category of members as more similar than they actually are

Case study method

single and small group studied closely

• no cause-effect conclusions

• cannot be generalized

Research by correlation and epidemiology

DeLisi interviews after 9/11

• most negative reaction groups where people with disorders, females, and those in the trade centers/near it

clinical trial

not a design, but a method of evaluation with placebo control groups

What does double-blind help with?

eliminates the “allegiance effect” (researcher bias)

Process research

why does it work?

Outcome research

pos/neg results of treatment, does it work?

Skinner

single-case experiments: systematic study of individuals under a variety of experimental conditions

1. repeated measure (not just before and after IV)

2. withdrawal design

3. multiple baseline (treatment across different times/settings)

when did the Human Genome Project begin?

1990

endophenotypes

genetic mechanisms that contribute to underlying symptoms

proband

family member WITH the trait

Lyons

conducted twin study on antisocial behavior between identical twins

Genetic linkage analysis

comparing genetic markers w a large group of people w a certain disorder

association studies

comparing gene markers to those w out the disorder

cross-sectional study

comparing people @ different ages using cohorts

cohort effect

differences between group experiences that differ form cohort

longitudinal studies

following one group overtime

*cross-generational effect

sequential designs

combination of both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies

parts of informed consent

1. competence

2. voluntarism

3. full information

4. comprehension