University:
York University
Course:
HH/PSYC 3140 | Abnormal Psychology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

217

Pages:

3
Author:

Nick T.

Research Methods in Abnormal Psychology Conducting Research in Psychopathology" • Example questions driving a science of psychopathology: what problems Cause distress or impair functioning? what mechanisms lead to the disorder? why do Some people see or hear things that are not present in reality? Basic Components of Research • Starts with a hypothesis or "educated guess" not all hypothesis cure testouble hypothesis in Science are formulated So that they are testovole Follows with selecting an appropriate research design for question • research design "a method to test hypotheses: independent variable *the variable that causes or influences behavior dependent variable * the behavior influenced by the independent variable Internal vs. External Validity "internal validity-extent to which the results of a study can be attributed to the independent variable after confounding alternative explanations can be ruled out *external validity involved in the Study extent to which research findings generalize, or apply. to people or settings nat Statistical vs. Clinical Significance helps to protect against biases in evaluating data Statistical significance are results due to chance? Clinical significance - are results Clinically meaningful? Statistical Significance does not imply Clinical meaningfulness Correlation used to describe the relationship between two or more naturally occurring variables positive correlation: both variables increase or decrease together "more-more" or "less-less" •negative correlation: as one variable increases, the other decreases "more-less" or less-more" Correlation Coefficient: a number that expresses the nature of the relationship between two variables indicates the degree to which 2 variables are related ima linear fashion indicate Strength and direction pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) is most common (-1.0 to 1.0) Sign of a Correlation = direction if you ignore the number, that's the direction of the relationship number of a Correlation = strength/magnitude if you ignore the sign, that's the strength of the relationship when roo the variables, there is no (linear) relationship between the varialoves Research loy Correlation • limitations "does not imply causation problem of directionality Correlation is not Causation! Research by Experiment nature of experimental research manipulation of independent variables attempt to establish Casual relations "group experimental designs Control groups placebo vs. double-blind Controls Randomized Controlled Trial *Clinical experiment that compares an existing treatment (or placebo/waitlist) to a new treatment often used in Clinical psychology (and medicine) in order to identify "efficacious" treatments for disorders randomizes individuals to either treatment group or placebo/waitlist group typically measures variables pre/mid/post in order to see whether the treatment is effective Single-Case Experimental Designs nature of Single Subject designs rigorous Study of single cases Varied experimental Conditions and time repeated measuremerrt Evaluation of variability, level, and trend Premium on internal Validity. types of single-subiect design withdrawal designs multiple basesine designs