Types of Studies on the MCAT (Psych/Soc), Psych Soc research methods

Longitudinal

a study that follows the same subjects over a long period of time

Cohort

subset of longitudinal study in which the subjects are picked because they have a shared common characteristic or experience within a defined period

Cross sectional

A snapshot study of a population at a given time.

Case Study

study in which the subjects are hand picked for a detailed analysis

Quantitative data

tangible, hard data, objective info

Qualitative data

Subjective information

Comparative analysis

studies the difference between different populations

between subjects design

participants are randomly assigned to an experimental group in the study, such that a participant only participates in one group

within subjects design

repeated measures design; when every participant is exposed to all conditions, treatments, or levels of an independent variable.

Correlational study

study that attempts to determine if there is simply a relationship between two variables.

Experimental study

(a study where we test to prove a causal relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable. Participants are randomly assigned to different groups or levels of the independent variable. Between-subjects and within-subjects designs are common experimental studies)

Between-subjects design

(participants are randomly assigned to to an experimental group in the study, such that a participant only participates in one group),

Within-subjects design

(also known as repeated-measures design, it is when a participant is exposed to every level of the independent variable. Gives you higher power because you are using more "subjects" in your study by using the same person in multiple conditions, and that you decrease individual difference effects seen in between-subjects designs.)

Retrospective study

(an observational study type where we look back at information in the past to try and find a trend between events in the past and current outcomes. One example would be conducting an experiment on people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and looking back at their medical records to set up a relation between factors in the past and the current outcome. This type of study helps to develop and find potential risk factors for disease.)

Prospective study

a study where we follow groups of people and see how their behavior in that time influence future outcomes. This kind of study is looking into the future, while retrospective studies are looking into the past. One popular example of this kind of study is by following nurses to determine long term health outcomes by looking at factors like stress, smoking, and level of exercise.)

Mixed-method research design

a study where you use both qualitative and quantitative measures to conduct your study. One example would be using quantitative measures like how would you report your like for this product on a scale of 1 through 10, and then later following up with people who answered either negatively or poorly and asking them for their qualitative opinion.)

Base rate fallacy

cognitive bias where people ignore general statistical information (the "base rate") in favor of specific, often recent or vivid information

Public verfiability

the capability of a finding, data, or claim to be verified, checked, or challenged by third parties rather than relying on the original actor

Observer bias

occurs when researchers consciously or unconsciously allow their expectations, beliefs, or subjective opinions to influence the observation, recording, or interpretation of data

glass escalator

refers to the faster promotion and advancement of men into leadership roles in female-dominated occupations

overconfidence effect

a cognitive bias where a person's subjective confidence in their knowledge or abilities exceeds their objective accuracy

Labeling theory

that deviance is not inherent in an act, but rather a consequence of society applying labels to individuals, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy

(if we label someone a criminal they will become one)

naming explosion

rapid acceleration in word acquisition occurring in toddlers, typically around 18-24 months, where they move from slow, gradual learning to adding dozens of new words monthly

Overextension

a common language development error where toddlers use a single word to cover a broader category of objects than is appropriate (e.g., calling all animals "doggy")

Categorical perception

the tendency to sort some form of stimuli into groups or categories by the ways they relate to each other

Bootstrapping

developmental and cognitive processes where existing, limited knowledge is used to acquire more complex skills

Medicalization

human, or social problems (such as shyness, aging, or hyperactivity) are defined and treated as medical conditions, disorders, or illnesses