PSYC012 Quasi exper. , Small N, Generalizability, and Replicability

What is the independent variable in the example regarding bilingualism?

The number of languages acquired.

What is the dependent variable in the bilingualism study?

Working memory capacity.

What distinguishes quasi-experiments from true experiments?

Quasi-experiments do not manipulate the independent variable or randomly assign participants.

What is a nonequivalent groups design?

A quasi-experimental study that has at least two groups (between-subjects).

What is an interrupted time-series design?

A quasi-experiment that measures the dependent variable repeatedly before, during, and after an event.

What is the purpose of a nonequivalent control group in quasi-experiments?

To include a control group for which the key event does not occur.

Why is internal validity lower in quasi-experiments?

Due to selection effects and the lack of random assignment.

What is a matched groups strategy?

A method used in quasi-experimental designs to control for selection effects.

How do quasi-experiments relate to correlational studies?

Quasi-experiments are similar to correlational studies but attempt to rule out certain threats to internal validity.

What is a Small-N design?

A research design that gathers extensive information from a small sample.

What is a Single-N design?

A study focusing on a single person or animal's experience, often called a case study.

What is an advantage of Small-N designs?

They allow researchers to study rare events and provide rich data.

What is a disadvantage of Small-N designs?

Findings may not generalize, leading to low external validity.

What is direct replication?

Repeating a study's methods as closely as possible to see if the same result is obtained.

What is conceptual replication?

Testing the same research question with different methods to ensure the effect is not specific to one operational definition.

What is replication-plus-extension?

Repeating original methods while adding new elements to determine the boundaries of the effect.

What defines a successful replication?

Statistical significance and effect size should be similar to the original study.

What is meta-analysis?

A mathematical compilation of studies that test the same effect, including direct and conceptual replications.

What is the file drawer problem?

Meta-analyses may overestimate effects because null results are less likely to be published.

What is ecological validity?

The extent to which study findings can be generalized to real-world situations.

What are field studies?

Studies that take place in real-world settings rather than controlled laboratory environments.

What is experimental realism?

The degree to which a study engages participants and elicits genuine emotions and behaviors.