1. Chapter 4 Nonexperimental Methods
The Psychologist as Detective: An Introduction to Conducting Research in Psychology Randolph A. Smith Stephen F. Davis
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Chapter 4
Nonexperimental Methods
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2. Learning Objectives
4.1 Express descriptive research methods 4.2 Analyze correlational studies 4.3 Examine the necessity of conducting an ex post facto study 4.4 Recognize surveys, questionnaires, tests, and inventories as research tools 4.5 Review the issues of sampling and basic research strategies while conducting a research study
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3. Descriptive Methods Objective 4.1 Express descriptive research methods
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4. 4.1 Descriptive Methods (1 of 3)
Archival and Previously Recorded Sources of Data
- Central repositories
- Real-life sources
- Potential problems
- Comparisons with the experimental method
Archival and Previously Recorded Sources of Data
Point 1 – Central repositories
Archives of the History of American Psychology
General Social Survey (GSS)
Point 2 – Real-life sources
Journals
Handbooks
Magazines
Point 3 – Potential problems
Data source
Selective of what was written
Survival of records
Point 4 – Comparisons with the experimental method
Lack of control
No cause-and-effect statement
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5. 4.1 Descriptive Methods (2 of 3)
Naturalistic Observation
- Locations
- Describe behaviors
- Variables and relationships
- Procedures
- Reactance/reactivity effect
- Drawback
- Benefits
Naturalistic Observation
Point 1 – Locations
Archives of the History of American Psychology
General Social Survey (GSS)
Point 2 – Describe behaviors
Journals
Handbooks
Magazines
Point 3 – Variables and relationships
Data source
Selective of what was written
Survival of records
Point 4 – Procedures
Lack of control
No cause-and-effect statement
Point 5 – Reactance/reactivity effect
Point 6 – Drawback
Point 7 – Benefits
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6. 4.1 Descriptive Methods (3 of 3)
Choosing Behaviors and Recording Techniques
- Selection of recording
- Time sampling
- Situation sampling
- Qualitative
- Quantitative
- Interobserver reliability
Choosing Behaviors and Recording Techniques
Point 1 – Selection of recording
Influences
Video recording
Point 2 – Time sampling
Observations at different points of time
Random or systematic
Increase generalizability
Point 3 – Situation sampling
Same type of behavior at different locations
Higher chance of observing different behaviors
Point 4 – Qualitative
Narrative record
Point 5 – Quantitative
Measurements
Analysis
Point 6 – Interobserver reliability
Ensure all details are observed
Disagreements on observations
Trainers
85% agreement
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7. Correlational Studies
Objective 4.2 Analyze correlational studies
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8. 4.2 Correlational Studies (1 of 2)
The Nature of Correlations
- Positively correlated
- Negatively correlated
- Zero correlation
The Nature of Correlations
Point 1 – Positively correlated
When one variable’s scores increase, another variable’s score also increases
Height and weight
Point 2 – Negatively correlated
An increase in one variable is accompanied by a decrease in another
Drinking and thirst
Correlations used to make predictions
Point 3 – Zero correlation
Two variables are unrelated
Impact of a third variable
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9. 4.2 Correlational Studies (2 of 2)
Correlational Research
- Use of correlational research
Correlational Research
Point 1 – Use of correlational research
Two variables can be measured, not manipulated
Degree of relationship
Not cause-and-effect
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10. Ex Post Facto Studies
Objective 4.3 Examine the necessity of conducting an ex post facto study
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11. 4.3 Ex Post Facto Studies
- Definition - Commonality with experimental methods
Point 1 – Definition
Cannot or do not manipulate variables
Already varied
Descriptive
Point 2 – Commonality with experimental methods
See relationships between variables
Ex.: Marijuana use
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12. Surveys, Questionnaires, Tests, and Inventories
Objective 4.4 Recognize surveys, questionnaires, tests, and inventories as research tools
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13. 4.4 Surveys, Questionnaires, Tests, and Inventories (1 of 2)
Surveys and Questionnaires
- Descriptive
- Analytic
- Developing a good survey or questionnaire
- Systematic sources
Surveys and Questionnaires
Point 1 – Descriptive
Percentage with characteristics
Gallup poll
No attempt to identify relevant variables
Point 2 – Analytic
Relevant variables and their relations
Existing surveys
Create survey
Point 3 – Developing a good survey or questionnaire
Type of instrument
Types of questions
Write items
Pilot
Determine demographics
Administration procedures
Point 4 – Systematic sources
Mail surveys
Personal interviews
Telephone Interviews
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14. 4.4 Surveys, Questionnaires, Tests, and Inventories (2 of 2)
- Characteristics of good tests and inventories
- Validity
- Reliability
- Types of tests and inventories
Tests and Inventories
Point 1 – Characteristics of good tests and inventories
Need to scrutinize
Reliability and validity
Point 2 – Validity
Measure what it is supposed to measure
Content validity
Concurrent validity
Criterion validity
Point 3 – Reliability
Consistency
Test-retest
Split-half procedures
Point 4 – Types of tests and inventories
Achievement tests
Aptitude tests
Personality test
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15. Sampling Considerations and Basic Research Strategies
Objective 4.5 Review the issues of sampling and basic research strategies while conducting a research study
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16. 4.5 Sampling Considerations and Basic Research Strategies (1 of 2)
- Random sampling
- Representativeness
Sampling
Point 1 – Random sampling
Population
Random sampling without replacement
Random sampling with replacement
Point 2 – Representativeness
Larger sample
Stratified random sample
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17. 4.5 Sampling Considerations and Basic Research Strategies (2 of 2)
- Single-strata approach
- Cross-sectional approach
- Longitudinal research project
Basic Research Strategies
Point 1 – Single-strata approach
Single, specified segment
Specific research questions
Point 2 – Cross-sectional approach
Comparison of two or more groups
Point 3 – Longitudinal research project
Same random sample over time
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