Basic Research Methods For Abnormal Psychology

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Simple Correlational Research

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two quantitative variables are measured and the degree of relationship between them is determined by computing a correlation coefficient

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correlation coefficient

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what is computed in order to determine if there is a relationship between two quantitative variables

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complex correlational research

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examine multiple variables (more than 2) in combination

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direct relationship

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a relationship between two variables in which change in one variable is associated with a change in the other variable in the same direction

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inverse relationship

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one variable increases as another decreases

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causal inference

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A set of statistical methods used to address questions of cause and effect by analyzing how certain variables are produced

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experiment

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a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (dependent variable)

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independent variable

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a variable that an experimenter manipulates

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dependent variable

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a variable that an experimenter predicts will be affected by manipulations of the independent variable

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experimental condition

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a condition in which subjects are exposed to manipulations of the independent variable

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control condition

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a comparison condition in which subjects are not exposed to the same treatment as in the experimental condition

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random assignment

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assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between those assigned to the different groups

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double-blind procedure

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both research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether research participants have received the treatment or a placebo

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standardization

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the consistency of all aspects of experimentation other than the experimental manipulation (e.g. instructions, lab environment, and sample should be similar for all subjects)

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random sampling

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all members of the population under study have an equal chance of being selected to participate in the research

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convenience or accidental sampling

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using samples that happen to be available to researchers

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____ must be made with great caution

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generalizing from sample to population

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proposing this enhances external validity

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a diverse sample of convenience