Psyc 2020 Ch 4-6 Unit 2Reading Objectives

1

ASSIGNMENT: Read Chapters 4-6 (pps. 61-122) and be able to do the following in class (on the Unit 2 exam and/or as a class activity)

Chapter 4

  1. Define the word "variable" (as it will be used in this class) and be able to explain what is meant by a "relationship between two variables". This relates to objective #8 from Unit 1. In this unit you should also be able to give examples from the four categories of variables . Sometimes a variable in psychology is an abstract concept that is really a label for a consistent pattern of behaviors (e.g. mediating variable). Be able to give and explain other examples of mediating variables.
  2. Be able to say what we mean by an "operational definition" and give examples of operational definitions of abstract concepts (such as aggression, courage, self esteem, etc.). Note that the "task of operationally defining a variable forces the scientist to discuss abstract concepts in concrete terms".
  3. Be able to describe and draw examples of the three types of relationships (and the one “no relationship”) given in the text. Also be able to distinguish each from examples. You should have the skills necessary to draw a simple graph involving two dependent variables (which involve a correlation) or an independent variable and a dependent variable (experimental data). Remember that the dependent variable is placed on the Y-axis (vertical axis) in an experimental study. Be able to define the term correlation coefficient.
  4. Be able to explain the term “error variance” say why it is “reduced” when we know more about the relationship between two or more variables.
  5. Be able to point out the differences between nonexperimental versus experimental methods. (Manipulation is the key point here, know what this means.) Be able to recognize examples of each method. Why is the nonexperimental method often called the correlational method?
  6. Be able to explain the weakness of the nonexperimental method when we ask questions about cause and effect. Be sure to say what is meant by “direction of cause and effect” and the “third variable problem”.
  7. How does the experimental method solve the problems of the nonexperimental method? Explain the rationale of the experimental techniques of randomization and experimental control.
  8. Know what the terms independent and dependent variables mean and be able to give original examples of such variables in an experiment or identify each if an experiment is given. Review the points about causality. Also, be able to give the main points about necessary and sufficient.
  9. What are the general disadvantages of experiments? Be able to describe the advantages and disadvantages of field experiments versus laboratory experiments? What makes a laboratory experiment “artificial? Know what we mean by an “ex post facto” design.
  10. In the discussion of the advantages of multiple methods, why were the studies on black uniforms of football and hockey teams nonexperimental and the study with elderly nursing home residents described experimental?

Chapter 4

  1. Be able to define “validity” and explain the difference between construct validity, internal validity and external validity.
  2. Be able to explain with definition and example the concepts of reliability, true score, measurement error. Note how reliability measures can be assessed with a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (know how to interpret an “r” score).
  3. Be able to explain how test-retest reliability, split-half reliability and interrater reliability assess reliability and the significance of r=.8.
  4. Be able to explain each of the methods of testing for “construct validity”
  5. What is reactivity (give and example)? Say why it can be a problem with measurement and how one might solve this problem.
  6. Know each of the “scales” (e.g., nominal) such that you can give and identify examples of each. What point is being made in the section titled “the importance of measurement scales”?

Chapter 6

  1. Be able to identify and give examples that distinguish qualitative approaches from quantitative approaches.
  2. Describe the “naturalistic observation” method of research and the issues related to it. Say why this is a qualitative approach rather than a quantitative approach. Include in your description the problems with participant observation, the pros and cons of concealed vs. open observation, the scope of observations and the limits of naturalistic observation. What is a “negative case analysis”?
  3. Describe how one goes about doing a "systematic observation" and the use of coding systems (why use a coding system?)
  4. Be able to briefly discuss the methodological issues related to systematic observations such as equipment, reactivity, reliability and sampling.
  5. What is a case study and why conduct one?
  6. What do we mean when we say we are conducting “archival research”. Be able to give some examples. Know what a “content analysis” involves.