DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES Lets get the facts fool Descriptive
- Slides: 9
DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES Let’s get the facts, fool!
Descriptive Methods that yield descriptions or behavior but not necessarily causal explanations.
Case Studies u. A DETAILED DESCRIPTION of a particular individual being studied or treated. Examples: - Genie the “Wild Child” - The Marshmallow Test
The Marshmallow Test REASONING: The test isn’t really about candy, but rather achievement situations and what influences a child to reach his or her choice. FINDINGS: A child’s ability to delay satisfaction resulted in higher SAT scores and lower BMIs.
Observational Study u. A study in which the researcher carefully and systematically observes and records behavior without interfering with the behavior – Can be NATURALISTIC or LABORATORY OBSERVATION.
Psychological Tests u Procedures used to measure and evaluate personality traits, emotional states, aptitudes, interests, abilities, and values – Best if STANDARDIZED u Uniform procedures exist for giving and scoring the test
Psychological Tests u Scoring = Usually done by referring to NORMS (established standards of performance) u TESTS MUST BE: 1) RELIABLE: can be reproduced 2) VALID: must measure what it was designed to measure
Reliability and Validity An effective test MUST be both reliable AND valid! EXAMPLE: If your scale reads your weight every day with an excess of 5 lbs, the scale is RELIABLE. But it is not VALID because it adds 5 lbs to your true weight.
SURVEYS u Questionnaires and interviews that require direct communication with people - GOAL = REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE: A small group who represent a larger whole - PROBLEM = VOLUNTEER BIAS People who volunteer may offer different opinions than those who don’t.
