PSYCH257 Lecture : Abnormal Psychology 2nd CDN edition Chapter 4
16 Oct 2011
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Confound: factor occurring in a study that makes results uninterpretable. Hypothesis formation: look at phenomena and construct testable hypotheses (unambiguous words) Use scientific method: but: many aspects of human nature = inaccessible, must learn research methodology. Questions: nature of problems people report; etiology of human behavior, how researches evaluate treatment. Hypothesis: educated guess -> research design: how to test hypothesis (with independent+dependent variables) Internal validity: extent of confidence that i. v. is causing d. v. (no threats) External validity: how results relate to things outside study. Analogue models: create aspects in control similar to phenomenon under study (ex. Generalizability: extent to which results apply to everyone w/ a particular disorder, int & ex validity opposition. Statistical: significant in terms of difference b/w control and manipulation, concern w/ size of effect. Do the findings actually help the overall goal. Patient uniformity myth: tendency to see all patients as homogenous group, not individually different. Lead researchers to make inaccurate generalizations about disorder and treatment.
