BS

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.