Factorial Research Design

A study that has two independent variables and one dependent variable

Factor

Another term for independent variable

Level

The number of times or the strength that the independent variable is given

Main Effect

The effect that the independent variable has on the dependent variable, regardless of it's level

Interaction

The effect one factor has on the level of another factor

Two-Factor Design

A study where two independent variables have two or more levels, evaluating three relationships

Single-Factor Design

Study that evaluates one independent variable with multiple levels

Factorial Design Between-Subjects

Different participants experience different levels of a variable

Factorial Design Within-Subjects

A single participant experiences all levels of a variable

Correlational Research Strategy

A study where two or more independent variables are measured to obtain a set of scores for each individual and comparing them

Correlation Coefficient

The number that measures the relationship between two variables marked by a + or - to indicate the directionality

Coefficient of Determination

The squared value of a correlation, measuring the percentage of variability in one factor and is determined by its relationship with the other factor

Statistical Significance

When data found is unlikely to have been produced by chance

Predictor Variables

The first variable examined during a correlational study

Criterion Variable

The second variable examined during a correlational study

Regression

The statistical process for using one variable to predict another

Strength of Correlational Research Strategy

-evaluates variables that would be impossible to manipulate -high external validity -researchers only have to observe what exists naturally

Weakness of Correlational Research Strategy

-low internal validity -doesn't provide an explanation for the relationship

Descriptive Research Strategy

Study that describes individual variables rather than the cause-and-effect relationship

How is Descriptive Research different from other strategies?

-no manipulation or control -completely observation -measures association and not causation

Observational Research Design

Study where the researcher observes and records individuals to describe a behavior

Subjectivity

When an observer's personal bias influences how a behavior is interpreted

3 methods to Quantify Observation

Frequency, duration, and interval methods

Frequency Method

How often a behavior occurs in a period of time

Duration Method

How much time an individual spends on a behavior

Interval Method

How often a behavior occurs in set intervals

3 Methods of Sampling Observation

Time, Event, and Individual Sampling

Time Sampling

Observing behavior throughout multiple intervals

Event Sampling

Observing different behaviors in each interval

Individual Sampling

Observing different individuals in each interval

Archival Resarch

Looking for historical records to observe behavior occurred in the past

Content Analysis

Looking for records of behavior in literature or television that replicated behaviors

Characteristics of Observational Research Design

Naturalistic, participant, and contrived

Strengths of Observational Research Design

-observed in real world -can be used for behavior that cannot be normally manipulated

Weaknesses of Observational Research Design

-time consuming -high chance of observer influence

Natural Observation

Behavior that is observed in its natural setting

Participant Observation

When a researcher does the same activity as the people being observed

Contrived Observation

Observing behavior in a setting that is arranged specifically to facilitate the occurrence of specific behaviors

Open-Ended Questions

Strength- allows greatest flexibility an answers Weakness- answers are difficult to put into statistical methods

Restricted Questions

Strength- possible to compute an average score Weakness- limited number of responses

Rating-Scale Questions

Strength- produces a numerical value that can be treated as measurement from an interval scale Weakness- participants tend to use the name number repeatedly

Survey Research Design

A study that uses surveys to obtain a description of a particular group of individuals

Methods of Administering a Survey

Mail, phone, internet, in person

Case-Study Design

An in-depth study on a single individual

Strengths of Case-Study Design

-provides a detailed description -only requires on participant

Weaknesses of Case-Study Design

-limited generalization -potential subject interpretation

Single Case Research Design

Studies a single participant to establish a cause-and-effect relationship

Purpose of phases in a single-case design

Divides research into distinct categories

ABAB Reversal Design

ABAB design, but starting with treatment then baseline

Strengths of ABAB Reversal Design

-establishes a cause-and-effect relationship -good credibility

Weaknesses of ABAB Reversal Design

-ethical concern of removing a positive treatment -not used for treatments that could have long-term effects

Multiple-Baseline Design

A study with two baseline phases, one receives treatment first and then the second receives treatment later

Component-Analysis Design

A study with a series of phases where each phase either adds or subtracts a component to determine how each component contributes to the treatment

Strengths of Single-Case Design

-gives a cause-and-effect relationship with only one participant -flexible

Weaknesses of Single-Case Design

-might not be generalized to the population -needs continuous observation

Practical Significance

When a treatment effect is large enough to have a practical application

Statistical Significance

When a treatment effect is unlikely to have been caused by chance