01:830:340 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Dependent And Independent Variables, Operational Definition, Internal Validity
Document Summary
Scientific method: select and define the problem, develop a hypothesis (testable prediction, null hypothesis-a prediction that there"s no relationship/effect, choose a method for testing the hypothesis, collect and analyze the data, interpret the results and draw conclusions. Dependent variable: factor we are trying to predict. Operational definition: how we measure our constructs of interest. Examine relationship between iv and dv as they naturally occur. Group comparison= relationship between membership in a group and another variable: cross sectional-one point in time, longitudinal-measured over time, allows us to establish if iv was present before dv. 1 to +1 (closer to -1 or +1 is perfect correlation) External validity: results generalize to real life phenomena. Risk is not the same as cause. Types of experimental studies: human laboratory studies: manipulation of iv then measure the dv, therapy outcome studies: test whether a treatment works, single case experimental studies: manipulation of iv, animal studies: examining process of animals.
