BS

Lecture_13

Test 2 Review

How to Study

  • Understand concepts from lectures, textbook readings, and assignments; apply them effectively.

  • Simply re-reading notes/textbook is insufficient.

  • Emphasize practice retrieval:

    • Draw concept maps from memory to visualize connections.

    • Create your own examples of concepts to solidify understanding.

    • Engage with practice questions from lecture slides, Wooclap, and textbook.

    • Make flashcards for key concepts and quiz yourself.

    • Develop test questions to deepen comprehension (consider swapping with classmates).

Topics Overview

Claims Evaluation

  • Identify frequency, association, and causal claims.

  • Methods for behavior description:

    • Self-reports.

    • Observational studies.

    • Case studies.

    • Archival data.

  • Types of self-report questions and threats to construct validity in surveys.

Survey Development

  • Learn how to develop surveys.

  • Evaluate reliability and validity of surveys.

  • Know when to use interviews vs. self-reports:

    • Types of interviews available.

Observational Studies

  • Types and their pros/cons.

  • Threats to construct validity in observational studies.

  • Preventing observer bias and effects.

  • Avoiding behavioral reactivity.

  • Evaluating reliability of observational measures.

  • Understand random vs. nonrandom sampling methods and challenges.

Correlational Studies

  • Identifying bivariate correlational designs.

  • Recognize predictors vs. outcomes:

    • Evaluate the construct and external validity of correlational studies.

    • Know continuous vs. categorical variables.

  • Appropriate statistical approaches for correlational studies.

  • Criteria for establishing internal validity and causation.

Sampling Methods

  • Probability Sampling Techniques:

    • Simple random sample.

    • Stratified random sample.

    • Systematic sample.

  • Non-probability sampling techniques lead to biases:

    • Purposive, cluster, multistage, quota, and snowball sampling.

  • Probability sampling ensures random selection, producing representative samples.

Important Concepts

  • Remember: Correlation does NOT imply causation!

Causation Criteria (Figure 8.14)

To establish causation between variable A and B:

  1. Covariance: Confirm they are correlated.

  2. Temporal precedence: Determine which variable occurred first.

  3. Internal validity: Examine the influence of any third variables that could misrepresent the relationship.

Statistical Validity

  • Evaluate the strength of the relationship:

    • Precision of the estimate.

    • Replication of results.

    • Consider external factors affecting correlation.

Factors Affecting Correlations

  1. Outliers.

  2. Sample size.

  3. Curvilinearity.

  4. Restriction of range.

  5. Reliability issues.

  6. Shared method variance.

Practice Identifying Research Claims

  • Example claims:

    1. Lower academic performance in online classes vs. in-person classes (Causal claim).

    2. Socially anxious individuals avoid daily social interactions (Association claim).

    3. Politicians exhibit higher narcissism (Association claim).

    4. Permissive parenting influences self-discipline (Causal claim).

Case Study Example

  • A professor studies test performance between in-person and online classes:

    1. Claim being tested: Causal claim.

    2. Type of variable (test performance): Dependent variable.

    3. Scale of measurement: Ratio.

    4. Measurement type: Observational.

    5. Sampling method: Simple random sampling.

    6. Statistical test type: T-test.

Couple Conflict Study Summary

  • Researcher investigates Gottman’s “Four Horsemen”:

    1. Claim type: Frequency claim.

    2. Study type: Structured observation.

    3. Behavior scale: Nominal.

Study Validity

  • Research on avoidant attachment and trust:

    • Identify statistical test: Correlation.

    • Results indicate a strong negative relationship between avoidant attachment and trust.

    • Temporal precedence not established: internal validity issues prevent causal implications.

Important Reminders for Test Day

  • Bring a pencil, eraser, and Carleton ID.

  • Arrive on time (by 1:00 pm).

  • Pack away all materials and turn off electronic devices.

  • Follow instructions for test submission carefully (name, student number, and version number on Scantron).

Practice Questions Overview

  • Engage with Wooclap for additional participation and understanding.