Chap 04 - Data Collection Techniques and Research Designs

Chapter Overview

• Focus on how psychologists apply the scientific method through data collection techniques and research designs.

Data Collection Techniques

• Measurement of Variables

  • A challenge in psychology; requires careful operational definitions.

  • Operational Definition:

    • Specifies how a variable was measured, making abstract concepts concrete.

    • Examples include:

      • Motivation: how a person’s drive is gauged.

      • Racial Bias/Discrimination: measurable differences in behavior towards various races.

Addressing Challenges in Measurement

• Importance of precise definitions to ensure reliable and valid results.

Validity and Reliability

• Validity:

  • Assesses whether a study measures what it intends to measure.

  • Types of Validity:

    • Internal Validity:

      • The degree to which a study accurately tests a hypothesis and rules out alternates.

    • External Validity:

      • Confidence that results relate to real-world behaviors outside the study.

• Reliability:

  • Consistency of observations and measurements.

Naturalistic Observation

• A technique that involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.

• Operational Definition in Naturalistic Observation:

  • Develop a coding scheme based on how the variable is defined in context.

• Advantages:

  • Provides realistic insights into behavior.

• Disadvantages:

  • Challenges in remaining unobtrusive can affect the accuracy of observations.

Surveys and Questionnaires

• Purpose:

  • Measure moods, attitudes, and behaviors through self-reports.

• Types of Questions:

  • Close-Ended Questions:

    • Provide quantitative data and limited response options.

  • Example:

    • PCL-5 survey for post-traumatic stress assessment with scale ratings.

  • Open-Ended Questions:

    • Allow for qualitative responses; require coding for analysis.

    • Example questions include those about emotions and personal heroes.

• Potential Issues:

  • Data may not reflect actual behaviors due to social desirability bias and self-report inaccuracies.

Interviews

• Types of Interviews:

  • Oral responses gathered through structured or semi-structured formats.

• Advantages:

  • Flexibility and depth of data collection.

• Disadvantages:

  • Time-consuming and potential for interviewer bias.

• Focus Group Interviews:

  • Conducted in groups to gather diverse views more efficiently.

Systematic Observation

• Definition:

  • Involves observing and recording behaviors as they naturally occur, enhancing internal validity.

Archival Data and Content Analysis

• Archival Data:

  • Utilizes existing data with no control over original measures or context; can reveal trends (e.g., song lyrics).

• Content Analysis:

  • Analyzes written or spoken material for patterns, language use, and gender differences without direct interaction.

Validity and Reliability of Surveys

• Construct Validity:

  • Measures whether a survey assesses the intended variable.

• Reliability Analysis:

  • Consistency evaluated through test-retest reliability and internal consistency.

Research Design Types

1. Case Studies

   • In-depth exploration of rare behaviors with 1-3 participants; findings may not generalize.

2. Correlational Studies

   • Assess the relationship between behaviors; correlation does not imply causation.

3. Experiments

   • Investigate cause-effect relationships by manipulating independent variables and observing effects on dependent variables.

4. Quasi-Experiments

   • Used where IV cannot be manipulated; often based on existing group characteristics.

Conclusion and Lab Practice

• Upcoming lab practice will focus on identifying different data collection techniques and research designs.