Chapter 4: Research Methods in Abnormal Psychology

These vocabulary flashcards cover essential terms from Chapter 4 on research methods in abnormal psychology, spanning basic research concepts, experimental designs, genetic and developmental strategies, prevention approaches, and ethical considerations.

Hypothesis

An educated guess or prediction that can be tested through research.

Research Design

The overall plan for testing a hypothesis, including how variables are measured or manipulated.

Dependent Variable

The outcome or behavior measured in a study, expected to change because of the independent variable.

Independent Variable

The factor deliberately manipulated or varied by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Internal Validity

The degree to which observed changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable and not confounds.

External Validity

The extent to which research findings generalize to people, settings, or times outside the study.

Confound (Confounding Variable)

A factor other than the independent variable that may influence the dependent variable, making results uninterpretable.

Control Group

Participants similar to the experimental group who do not receive the independent variable, used for comparison.

Randomization

Assigning participants to groups by chance to reduce systematic bias.

Analogue Model

A controlled research situation that mimics real-life phenomena to increase internal validity.

Generalizability

The ability to apply study findings to the larger population; closely tied to external validity.

Statistical Significance

A mathematical indication that study results are unlikely to have occurred by chance (usually p < .05).

Clinical Significance

The practical or real-world importance of a treatment effect for those affected.

Effect Size

A quantitative measure of the magnitude of a treatment or group difference.

Patient Uniformity Myth

The erroneous assumption that all study participants respond similarly, ignoring individual differences.

Case Study Method

An in-depth investigation of one individual or small group without experimental control.

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables, indicating they change together but not proving causation.

Positive Correlation

A relationship where both variables increase or decrease together (r > 0).

Negative Correlation

A relationship where one variable increases as the other decreases (r < 0).

Directionality Problem

Uncertainty in correlational studies about which variable causes the other.

Epidemiology

The study of the incidence, distribution, and consequences of disorders in populations.

Prevalence

The total number of people with a disorder at a given time.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disorder appearing during a specific period.

Experiment

A study involving manipulation of an independent variable to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Placebo Effect

Improvement produced by participants’ expectations rather than by an active treatment.

Placebo Control Group

Participants receive an inert treatment to control for expectancy effects.

Double-Blind Control

Both participants and researchers are unaware of group assignments to reduce bias.

Comparative Treatment Research

Studies that directly compare two or more interventions to determine relative efficacy.

Single-Case Experimental Design

Systematic study of one individual under different conditions, using repeated measurements.

Repeated Measurement

Assessing a behavior multiple times to evaluate level, variability, and trend.

Withdrawal (ABA) Design

A single-case design that measures baseline, introduces treatment, then removes it to test causality.

Multiple Baseline Design

Staggered introduction of treatment across settings, behaviors, or individuals to demonstrate effects without withdrawal.

Phenotype

Observable characteristics or behaviors of an individual.

Genotype

An individual’s unique genetic makeup.

Endophenotype

Internal, heritable traits (e.g., cognitive deficits) that link genes to overt symptoms.

Family Study

Research examining trait patterns among relatives to estimate genetic contribution.

Adoption Study

Compares adopted individuals to biological and adoptive relatives to separate genetic and environmental influences.

Twin Study

Compares similarity of monozygotic and dizygotic twins to assess heritability.

Genetic Linkage Analysis

Searches for chromosomal regions shared by family members with a disorder using known genetic markers.

Association Study

Compares frequencies of genetic markers in people with and without a disorder to locate risk genes.

Cross-Sectional Design

Compares different age groups at one point in time to study age-related differences.

Cohort Effect

Differences between age groups attributable to historical or cultural experiences rather than age itself.

Longitudinal Design

Follows the same individuals over time to assess developmental changes.

Cross-Generational Effect

Limitation of longitudinal studies when results may not apply to later-born cohorts.

Sequential Design

Combines cross-sectional and longitudinal methods by following several cohorts over time.

Health Promotion (Positive Development)

Prevention strategy aimed at enhancing protective behaviors across entire populations.

Universal Prevention

Intervention targeting entire populations to reduce specific risk factors.

Selective Prevention

Targets high-risk groups (e.g., bereaved children) to prevent future problems.

Indicated Prevention

Intervenes with individuals showing early signs of a disorder to prevent its full development.

Informed Consent

Participants’ voluntary agreement to join research after receiving full information about procedures and risks.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Committee that reviews research protocols to ensure ethical treatment of participants.

Participatory Action Research

Approach involving consumers of mental-health services as partners in designing and interpreting studies.