Lecture_9

Self-reports & Observations

• Understanding and assessing mental health through behavior observation

• Key methods for gathering data include self-reports and observational studies.

Research Goals and Claims

• Describe behavior: assess how frequent a condition like depression is.

  • Example: How prevalent is depression in certain populations?

• Predict behavior: explore relationships between variables.

  • Example: Is there an association between spending time alone and experiencing depression?

• Explain behavior: analyze causal relationships.

  • Example: Does social isolation lead to increased levels of depression?

Programs of Research

• Programs can utilize the three goals of research: description, prediction, and explanation, to provide a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues.

Describe Goals: Methods

• Different methodologies include:

  • Self-reports

  • Observational studies

  • Case studies

  • Archival data

Self-reports

• Directly asking individuals about their experiences and feelings.

• Important considerations:

  • Will the data be collected via surveys or interviews?

  • What types of questions will be posed?

Types of Survey Questions

• Open-ended questions:

  • Allows for detailed qualitative data (e.g., describe your personality).

  • Example response: "My personality is fairly reserved..."

• Forced-choice questions:

  • Respondents choose between options (e.g., NPI statements).

• Likert scales:

  • Measures level of agreement (e.g., self-esteem statements on a scale).

Threats to Construct Validity

• Wording Issues:

  • Double-barreled questions should be simplified to avoid confusion.

• Order Effects:

  • Randomize question order to reduce bias.

Response Styles

• Acquiescence:

  • Responding positively to all items can be problematic. Solutions include reverse-wording items.

• Fence-sitting:

  • Avoid middle-ground responses by limiting scale options.

• Socially Desirable Responding:

  • Encourage neutral wording to reduce bias.

Developing a Survey

1. Brainstorm a range of questions with input from experts.

2. Determine the response type.

3. Pilot test to evaluate reliability and validity.

Evaluating Survey Dimensionality

• Use factor analysis to determine if measures capture intended constructs (e.g., Big Five traits).

Evaluating Reliability

• Test-retest reliability: consistent scores over time.

• Internal reliability: consistency of scores across items (use Cronbach’s alpha, threshold = 0.70).

Validity of Surveys

• Subjective Validity:

  • Face validity and content validity assess alignment with constructs.

• Criterion Validity:

  • Predictive and concurrent validity determine correlation with outcomes.

Interviews

• Offer detailed assessments, useful for diagnosing mental disorders.

• Can capture non-verbal cues but are also influenced by interviewer biases.

• Types of interviews:

  • Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured formats allow flexibility in gathering information.

Observational Methods

• Focus on variables without manipulation - Example: moral transgressions.

• Types include:

  1. Naturalistic Observation

  2. Participant Observation

  3. Structured Observation

Threats to Observational Validity

• Observer Bias and Effects: Expectation-based influence on interpretation and participant behavior.

• Reactivity: Individuals may act differently when aware of being observed.

Evaluating Reliability in Observations

• Interrater Reliability: consistency across different observers, can utilize Cohen’s kappa and ICC for ratings.

Case Studies

• In-depth examination of individuals or small groups providing rich data.

• Notable case studies include Genie (language acquisition) and Phineas Gage (personality changes from brain injury).

Archival Data

• Using pre-existing datasets to answer new research questions, such as tracking trends in narcissism over time.

Assignment 2 Instructions

• Design a correlational study based on earlier assignments; emphasize non-manipulative variables, sampling, and measurement reliability/validity.

Practice Activity

• Suggested activity to assess a personality test, focusing on question types and validity threats.

Participation in Practice Questions

• Instructions for engaging in practice questions using provided tools and codes.