Psychology 2320A/B Lecture Notes - Neuroimaging, Twin Study, New Approach
16 Oct 2012
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Good research tests specific hypotheses based on theory. Hypothesis: prediction about relationship between constructs: can"t be proven, only supported (or not) by data, can (and should) test many different ways, construct: a psychological abstraction that must be operationalized for research. Once you"ve operationalized your constructs (and received ethics approval), you next: collect data (i. e. scores on the constructs of interest, conduct a statistical test, yields a probability that results due to chance (p < 0. 5 is convention) Usually, correlational designs (rather than strictly experimental) are used: examples: stressful life events cause depression or lead exposure causes adhd. Correlation measure two variables and estimate their degree of relationship. Negative correlation increases in one variable associated with decreases in the other. Positive correlation increases in one variable associated with increases in the other. Example parent-child interaction is associated with children"s school success. What type of correlation is this: positive correlation more interaction means more school success.
