Psych of Methods & Statistics Midterm

Research Overview

  • Definition of Research: Systematic investigation to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

  • Clinical Research: Study of patient care's safety and effectiveness.

Research Design and Measurement

  • Design ensures research integrity; involves internal and external validity.

  • Measurement focuses on constructs and reliability of measurements.

Analysis

  • Establishes conclusion validity and evaluates research hypotheses.

Likert Scale:

  • Used to assess attitudes or values of people.

Sources of Knowledge

  1. Tradition

  2. Authority

  3. Trial & error

  4. Deductive and inductive reasoning

  5. Scientific research

Evidence Types

  • Anecdotal evidence: Based on personal accounts or stories.

  • Scientific-based evidence: Systematic and empirical methods.

  • Law of Small Numbers: Extreme outcomes in small cases.

Research Methodologies

Scientific Method

  • Incorporates logic and empirical approaches.

  • Key elements: Skepticism, open-mindedness, and objectivity.

Research Sections

  1. Title Page

  2. Abstract

  3. Introduction

  4. Method

  5. Results

  6. Discussion

  7. References

Types of Research

  • Quantitative: Numerical data collection.

  • Qualitative: Non-numerical, descriptive data.

  • Basic vs. Applied Research

  • Translational Research: Integrates basic findings with clinical application.

Research Designs

  • Descriptive, Exploratory, and Experimental designs.

  • Case-control and cohort studies for epidemiology.

Statistical Methods

  • Correlation vs. regression analysis.

  • Identify dependent (outcome) and independent (predictor) variables.

Methodological Rigor

  • Validity: Measurement accuracy.

  • Reliability: Consistency in measurement.

Experimental Designs

  • RCT: Gold standard with control groups.

  • Quasi-experimental and pre-experimental designs have varied control levels.

Ethical Considerations in Research

  • Ethics: Application of moral principles in decisions.

  • Historical codes (Nuremberg, Declaration of Helsinki) guide research ethics.

  • Respect for persons: Informed consent, comprehension, and voluntary participation.

Ethical Treatment in Data

  • Avoid falsification and keep integrity in reporting.

  • Research misconduct includes misleading practices.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative

  • Qualitative: Describes human experiences through narratives.

  • Quantitative: Focus on generalizability and larger sample sizes.

Data Measurement

  • Variables change in value; they are categorized as discrete or continuous.

  • Measurement scales: Nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales.

Sampling Techniques

  • Random sampling techniques ensure representative results.

  • Concepts of population, sample, parameters, and statistics are essential in research.