PSYC1010 Unit 1: Introduction to Quantitative Research
What is Research?
Research
“The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish
facts and reach new conclusions”
Obtaining information
Uncovering the truth
o Through numerical values
Clinical Research
Clinical conditions
Improving methods of practice
Knowledge Translation (KT)
o Synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge
The Research Trinity
1. Design
o Establishes the “integrity” of the research
o Internal and external validity
2. Measurement
o Determining “constructs”, operational definitions
o Reliability of measurements
“Good friend”, you can count on them
If it’s reliable, it’s not always valid
o Validity
Quality
Is it measuring what we want it to measure
If it’s valid, it is reliable
3. Analysis
o Establishes conclusion validity
o Evaluates hypotheses
Research
An educated guess based on your own knowledge
Not worried about numbers
Statistical
Evaluating the research hypothesis
With numbers
Is Research Important?
Putting numbers = agreements
Research papers = valid
o “Retracted”
Researchers making up numbers – fake
Research Design and Statistics
What is “statistics”?
, “Statistical procedures”
Formulas, calculations, equations, etc., to analyze the results of research studies, or other
information of interest
Empirical Approach
Information is obtained via observation and measurement
Produces data (scores)
Why Do I Have to Take “Statistics”?
Understanding information
Accuracy and validity
Separates fact from fiction
Wonderful World of Statistics
Hammer
o Engineer
How to make it better?
o Metallurgist
What other materials can be used?
o Carpenter
Uses it
o Mathematician
Is the equation truthful?
Generate rigorous proof
o Computer Engineer
How can I build this equation into a code?
o Practitioner
Uses it
Relationship Between A Population and A Sample
Is the sample going to be generalized to the pop.?
o ASK BEFORE, not after the test
Inferential Statistics
What is Research?
Research
“The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish
facts and reach new conclusions”
Obtaining information
Uncovering the truth
o Through numerical values
Clinical Research
Clinical conditions
Improving methods of practice
Knowledge Translation (KT)
o Synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge
The Research Trinity
1. Design
o Establishes the “integrity” of the research
o Internal and external validity
2. Measurement
o Determining “constructs”, operational definitions
o Reliability of measurements
“Good friend”, you can count on them
If it’s reliable, it’s not always valid
o Validity
Quality
Is it measuring what we want it to measure
If it’s valid, it is reliable
3. Analysis
o Establishes conclusion validity
o Evaluates hypotheses
Research
An educated guess based on your own knowledge
Not worried about numbers
Statistical
Evaluating the research hypothesis
With numbers
Is Research Important?
Putting numbers = agreements
Research papers = valid
o “Retracted”
Researchers making up numbers – fake
Research Design and Statistics
What is “statistics”?
, “Statistical procedures”
Formulas, calculations, equations, etc., to analyze the results of research studies, or other
information of interest
Empirical Approach
Information is obtained via observation and measurement
Produces data (scores)
Why Do I Have to Take “Statistics”?
Understanding information
Accuracy and validity
Separates fact from fiction
Wonderful World of Statistics
Hammer
o Engineer
How to make it better?
o Metallurgist
What other materials can be used?
o Carpenter
Uses it
o Mathematician
Is the equation truthful?
Generate rigorous proof
o Computer Engineer
How can I build this equation into a code?
o Practitioner
Uses it
Relationship Between A Population and A Sample
Is the sample going to be generalized to the pop.?
o ASK BEFORE, not after the test
Inferential Statistics
