PSCH 242 UIC Exam Elaborations
Level of Constraint - ANSWER-How much control the researcher has over the
design and progression of the study
Archival Study - ANSWER-A study in which data is collected from a variety of
historical records and pre-existing sources.
Archival Study Advantages - ANSWER-Can often rely on huge data sets, and
there is no researcher influence risk.
Archival Study Limitations - ANSWER-There are alternatives present that can
explain hypotheses in a variety of cases and few ways to amend this.
Combinations of statistics could also be used to limit this issue, such as
baseball attendance and weather to limit bias. Additionally, sources are not
always reliable, and there is no control over data collection.
Naturalistic Observation - ANSWER-Observing and recording behavior in
naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the
situation.
Naturalistic Observation Advantages - ANSWER-realistic picture of behavior,
actions are pure.
Naturalistic Observation Limitations - ANSWER-Limited scope of observation,
reliable and valid measures are very difficult to create.
General Limitations of Low-Constraint Methods - ANSWER-Limited
generalizability, limited replicability, lot of room for experimenter
(confirmation) bias, very limited validity of measure at times, mistaken
causality.
Differences between Correlational lower methods of research - ANSWER-
Higher levels of constraint, narrower focus, more standardized procedures,
control over when and how variables are measured.
Differences between Differential and lower methods of research - ANSWER-
Narrower focus, standardized procedures, control over how and when
variables are measured, and *additional* control over Confounding Variables.
Problem Statements in Correlational Research - ANSWER-Always contain at
least two variables. "Is there a relationship between variable X and variable
Y?"
Problem Statements in Differential Research - ANSWER-"Does group A differ
from group B on variable Y (the dependent variable)?"
, Differences Between Correlational and Differential Studies - ANSWER-
Correlational observes a relationship between two variables while differential
observes a relationship between two variables based on two or more pre-
established groups.
Confounding Variables - ANSWER-Variables that vary along with the
independent variable. A variable that is likely to have an unwanted effect on
the dependent variable.
How to deal with confounds in Correlational Research - ANSWER-Statistically
control for effects of possible confounding variables
How to Deal with Confounds in Differential Research - ANSWER-Select
appropriate comparison groups. Goal: "all else equal."
Limitations of Correlational Research - ANSWER-Cannot draw conclusions
about causality. Relies exclusively on measured variables.
Limitations of Differential Research - ANSWER-Cannot draw conclusions
about causality. Relies exclusively on measured variables, though there is
more control as they may be separated by characteristics.
Operational Definition - ANSWER-The procedure used to measure and/or
manipulate variables.
Research Hypothesis - ANSWER-The hypothesis that the variables under
investigation are related in the population - that the observed effect based
on sample data is true in the population.
Logic behind testing a research hypothesis - ANSWER-The research
hypothesis may not be proven correct, but support for it can be found by
proving it possible (e.g., proving the null hypothesis false, and alternative
explanations can be ruled out.)
Null Hypothesis - ANSWER-the hypothesis that there is no significant
difference between specified populations, any observed difference being due
to sampling or experimental error.
Possible Alternative Explanations (Confounding Variables) - ANSWER-The
"hypothesis" that something other than the independent variable caused the
dependent variable. Difficult to perfectly rule out, but lends credibility to the
research hypothesis if ruled out.
Statistical Validity - ANSWER-the extent to which statistical conclusions
derived from a study are accurate and reasonable
Level of Constraint - ANSWER-How much control the researcher has over the
design and progression of the study
Archival Study - ANSWER-A study in which data is collected from a variety of
historical records and pre-existing sources.
Archival Study Advantages - ANSWER-Can often rely on huge data sets, and
there is no researcher influence risk.
Archival Study Limitations - ANSWER-There are alternatives present that can
explain hypotheses in a variety of cases and few ways to amend this.
Combinations of statistics could also be used to limit this issue, such as
baseball attendance and weather to limit bias. Additionally, sources are not
always reliable, and there is no control over data collection.
Naturalistic Observation - ANSWER-Observing and recording behavior in
naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the
situation.
Naturalistic Observation Advantages - ANSWER-realistic picture of behavior,
actions are pure.
Naturalistic Observation Limitations - ANSWER-Limited scope of observation,
reliable and valid measures are very difficult to create.
General Limitations of Low-Constraint Methods - ANSWER-Limited
generalizability, limited replicability, lot of room for experimenter
(confirmation) bias, very limited validity of measure at times, mistaken
causality.
Differences between Correlational lower methods of research - ANSWER-
Higher levels of constraint, narrower focus, more standardized procedures,
control over when and how variables are measured.
Differences between Differential and lower methods of research - ANSWER-
Narrower focus, standardized procedures, control over how and when
variables are measured, and *additional* control over Confounding Variables.
Problem Statements in Correlational Research - ANSWER-Always contain at
least two variables. "Is there a relationship between variable X and variable
Y?"
Problem Statements in Differential Research - ANSWER-"Does group A differ
from group B on variable Y (the dependent variable)?"
, Differences Between Correlational and Differential Studies - ANSWER-
Correlational observes a relationship between two variables while differential
observes a relationship between two variables based on two or more pre-
established groups.
Confounding Variables - ANSWER-Variables that vary along with the
independent variable. A variable that is likely to have an unwanted effect on
the dependent variable.
How to deal with confounds in Correlational Research - ANSWER-Statistically
control for effects of possible confounding variables
How to Deal with Confounds in Differential Research - ANSWER-Select
appropriate comparison groups. Goal: "all else equal."
Limitations of Correlational Research - ANSWER-Cannot draw conclusions
about causality. Relies exclusively on measured variables.
Limitations of Differential Research - ANSWER-Cannot draw conclusions
about causality. Relies exclusively on measured variables, though there is
more control as they may be separated by characteristics.
Operational Definition - ANSWER-The procedure used to measure and/or
manipulate variables.
Research Hypothesis - ANSWER-The hypothesis that the variables under
investigation are related in the population - that the observed effect based
on sample data is true in the population.
Logic behind testing a research hypothesis - ANSWER-The research
hypothesis may not be proven correct, but support for it can be found by
proving it possible (e.g., proving the null hypothesis false, and alternative
explanations can be ruled out.)
Null Hypothesis - ANSWER-the hypothesis that there is no significant
difference between specified populations, any observed difference being due
to sampling or experimental error.
Possible Alternative Explanations (Confounding Variables) - ANSWER-The
"hypothesis" that something other than the independent variable caused the
dependent variable. Difficult to perfectly rule out, but lends credibility to the
research hypothesis if ruled out.
Statistical Validity - ANSWER-the extent to which statistical conclusions
derived from a study are accurate and reasonable
