PSYC 318 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Criterion Validity, Null Hypothesis, Statistical Significance
Document Summary
Research involves establishing a hypothesis that is then tested. In abnormal psychology, research focuses on hypotheses meant to explain the nature, the causes, or the treatment of a disorder. Hypothesis - an educated guess or statement to be supported by data. Start with the null hypothesis (there is no difference) and alternative (there is a difference) Research design - the plan for testing the hypothesis. Affected by the question addressed, by the hypothesis, and by practical considerations. Dependent variable - some aspect of the phenomenon that is measured and is expected to be changed or influenced by the independent variable. Independent variable - the aspect manipulated or thought to influence the change in the dependent variable. Internal validity - the extent to which the results of the study can be attributed to the independent variable. Homogenous group of people, make sure that everyone comes from the same population of interest.
