Introduction to Quantitative Research

Introduction to Quantitative Research

Danny M. Pincivero, Ph.D.
This document serves as an extensive guide on various aspects of psychology, research methodologies, and quantitative analyses as outlined in the provided transcript.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is defined as the study aimed at understanding human behavior. It investigates various elements, including the nervous system, mental processes, and observable actions.

Understanding Core Concepts

  • The Mind:
    Refers to how a person perceives themselves and the world around them. It encompasses memories, thoughts, and feelings, which are mediated by various neurobiological processes.

  • Behavior:
    Behavior encompasses a wide variety of observable actions, including those mediated by physical responses (nervous system components such as the brain, spinal cords, and nerves) as well as subjective experiences such as sensations (skin, eyes, ears, mouth).

Seven Central Themes in Psychology

  1. Psychology is an empirical science that involves obtaining firsthand information to understand human actions better.

  2. Focus on human development across life spans.

  3. Exploration of the relationship between the brain and mind.

  4. Recognition of the biological revolution within psychology which emphasizes neuroscience.

  5. Consideration of mental processes and psychological phenomena.

  6. Psychology's nature of crossing different levels of analysis from individual to societal aspects.

  7. Awareness of multiple influences, including nature versus nurture debates to understand behavior.

Psychology Standards

American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Overview:
    The APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the U.S., consisting of about 172,000 members, including researchers, educators, clinicians, and students.

  • APA Style:
    Established in 1929, APA style offers a standard procedure that ensures uniformity across texts, allowing for better readability and comprehension. Referenced work includes “Instructions in regard to preparation of manuscript” (Bentley et al., 1929).

Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

  • History:
    Founded in 1939 and incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act, the CPA focuses on enhancing the understanding of diverse human needs, which informs legislation and community programs.

  • Vision and Mission:
    CPA aims to advance research and knowledge in psychology, promoting its application for societal benefits through advocacy, support, and collaboration.

College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario

  • Responsible for regulating the practice of psychology and applied behavior analysis to ensure public interest protection.

Fields of Psychology

  1. Brain Science and Cognitive Psychology:
    Focus on decision-making, perception, learning and memory processes.

  2. Clinical Psychology:
    Merges psychological science with the treatment of complex human problems.

  3. Psychology of Teaching and Learning:
    Studies learning processes and seeks to enhance educational outcomes.

  4. Industrial and Organizational Psychology:
    Examines human behavior within workplace contexts.

Psychology, Research, and Statistics

This section introduces the intersection of psychology and statistical analysis with contemporary issues relevant to political voting patterns and their implications on behavioral psychology.

Research

  • Definition:
    Research is defined as “the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions” (English Oxford Dictionary). It involves obtaining information to uncover the truth.

  • Clinical Research:
    Focuses on improving clinical practices and translating knowledge effectively.

The Research Trinity

  • Components:

    1. Design: How the research is planned and structured.

    2. Measurement: Refers to how data is quantified and collected.

    3. Analysis: Encompasses the techniques used to analyze the collected data.

Importance of Research

Research is vital for obtaining reliable data that informs practices and theories in psychology. This includes addressing misconceptions and controversies, such as the misreported association between vaccinations and autism.

Types of Research

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

  • Quantitative Research:

    • Involves measuring outcomes using numerical data under standardized conditions, applying statistical procedures to understand results.

  • Qualitative Research:

    • Draws conclusions from observations, interviews, and questionnaires without numerical descriptions, aiming to describe human behavior in specific contexts.

Mixed-Method

  • Combines both qualitative and quantitative methods for comprehensive analysis.

Variables and Data

  • Variables:
    A characteristic or condition that changes or has different values for different individuals.

  • Data: Measurements or observations; a datum refers to a single measurement and is often called a score.

Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

  • Descriptive Statistics:
    Statistical procedures that summarize and organize data.

  • Inferential Statistics:
    Techniques that study samples to generalize about the populations from which they were taken.

  • Sampling Error:
    Naturally occurring discrepancies between a sample statistic and the corresponding population parameter.

Example of Sampling Error

  • In a simulated sample of college students, the average age (sample) = 19.8 years with an actual population mean age = 21.3 years.

Research Study Design

Types of Variables

  • Dependent Variable: Represents the outcome (e.g., blood alcohol content).

  • Independent Variable: The influencing factor (e.g., number of alcoholic drinks).

Example of Research Design

  • Experiment comparing two studying methods and analyzing their effects on student test scores using descriptive statistics.

Correlational and Predictive Research

  • Correlational Research: Examines the relationships between two variables and typically employs Pearson r-value.

  • Regression Analysis: Aims to predict the outcome of one variable given the presence of another variable.

Measurement in Statistics

  • Discusses different measurement scales — nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio — and their unique characteristics, applications, and the implications for data analysis.

Central Tendency Measures

  • Mode: The most frequently occurring score.

  • Median: The score at the 50th percentile.

  • Mean: The average score in a distribution.

Measures of Variability

  • Range: Distance between the highest and lowest scores.

  • Variance: Measurement of how much scores differ from the mean.

  • Standard Deviation: A measure of variability that indicates the average distance of scores from the mean.