Research Methods in the Study of Abnormal Behavior

Flashcards for Research Methods in the Study of Abnormal Behavior

Goals of Psychology as a Science

To describe, explain, predict, and control mental processes and behaviors.

Steps in the Scientific Method

Identify questions, develop a hypothesis, select a research method, analyze data, seek scientific review, and build a theory.

Theory

A well-developed set of ideas that aims to explain an observable phenomena.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction or proposed explanation for an observable phenomenon.

Qualitative Research

Research that does not test the relationship between variables; focuses on understanding the 'what'.

Quantitative Research

Research that includes both correlational and experimental designs; involves gathering numbers and statistical analysis.

Nomothetic Research

Measuring a group of people on a number of variables and examining the relationship between them.

Idiographic Research

Detailed understanding of the individual, often involving case studies and qualitative methods.

Case Study

The detailed study of one individual, including collecting historical and biographical information.

Prevalence

Proportion of a population that has the disorder at a given point or period of time.

Incidence

The number of new cases of the disorder that occur in some period, usually a year.

Risk Factors

Conditions or variables that, if present, increase the likelihood of developing a disorder.

Variable

Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted.

Correlation Coefficient

Examines the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

Non-Linear Relationships

As the X scores change, the Y scores do not tend to only increase or only decrease: at some point, the Y scores alter their direction of change.

Limitations of Correlations

Correlation does not imply causation; third variables may be at play.

Basic Features of Experimental Study Methods

Researcher typically begins with an experimental hypothesis.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that you manipulate in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that you measure in an experiment (or the variable that is changed by the IV).

Control Group

Group not exposed to the independent variable.

Experimental Group

Group exposed to the independent variable (new therapy).

Within-group variance

The difference within the groups.

Between-group variance

The difference between groups.

P-value or Probability Statistic

A number describing how likely it is that your data would have occurred by random chance.

Effect size

How strong is the relationship between the two variables or how big is that difference?

Cohen’s d

Used to assess effect size when comparing the means (averages) of two experimental groups.

Placebo Effect

An improvement in a physical or psychological condition attributable to a client’s expectations of help.

Single-blind Procedures

When the patient or client is unaware of what group they have been placed in (placebo or treatment).

Double-blind Procedures

When neither the researchers nor the clients are aware of who has been placed in the treatment or placebo control groups.

Internal validity

Extent to which effect can be confidently attributed to manipulation of IV; Inclusion of at least one control group.

Confounders

Effects are intermixed with the effects of the IV leading to internally invalid studies.

External validity

Can the results be generalized beyond immediate study?

Analogue experiments

The use of a related phenomenon (an analogue) in the lab.

Meta Analysis

Involves the review of many studies in order to determine the effects of treatment.

Meta Analysis Steps

Examine published studies, combine the results into a common format and then determine the extent of improvement (effect size).

Meta Analysis Limitations

Need to take into account moderator variables (for example, gender) that may influence or qualify the results in some meaningful way.

Goal of Qualitative Research

Focuses on understanding the "what" of phenomena.

Data Analysis in Quantitative Research

Involves analyzing data through statistical computations.

Purpose of Epidemiology

Provides a general picture of a disorder in a population.