What's Wrong With This Study?

Slide 1 of 15: Synopsis

Human Development Video Activity
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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.
control condition
In scientific research and experimentation, the standard to which manipulated subjects, conditions, or states are compared.
correlational approach
A research approach that assesses different variables to see if there is a predictable relationship between them.
descriptive approach
A research approach in which straightforward and accurate descriptions are provided of the characteristics of something in a study.
double-blind procedure
A scientific experiment in which both the subjects of the study and those administering the study are prevented from knowing critical details that might bias them and compromise the study’s results.
experimental approach
A research approach for assessing cause and effect relationships in which subjects of study are manipulated in order to observe any corresponding changes.
experimental condition
The condition or treatment that is introduced for testing allowing experimenters to observe its effects.
norms
A marker of average development or achievement.
population
A group of people, animals, or organisms that are of a particular concern in a scientific study.
random assignment
In a research study, the relying on chance procedures, such as coin flipping, for the assignment of participants to control or experimental groups. This random approach insures that each participant has an equal opportunity of being assigned to a particular group.
random sample
A study sample that is selected using the random assignment method that insures that all members of a group or population have the same chance of being selected.
representative sample
A small research group with characteristics that resemble those of the larger population from which it is drawn.
sample
A portion of a population or group that is selected to represent the group as a whole.
Student looking through documents in a library

Author

Thomas E. Ludwig, Hope College
S. Stavros Valenti, Hofstra University

Synopsis

Putting together a research study is challenging work. In this activity, you will explore some of the major pitfalls of the process of designing a research study and then read descriptions of three hypothetical studies. Each of these hypothetical studies has one major flaw and several minor problems. You will be asked to identify the major flaw in each study.

References

Baltes, P. B., Reese, H., W., & Nesselroade, J. R. (1977). Life-span developmental psychology Introduction to research methods. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Brown, K. W., Cozby, P. C., Kee, D. W., & Worden, P. E. (1999). Research methods in human development (2nd ed.). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield.

Gelfand, D. M. (2000). Developmental science: What do we know and how do we know it? Human Development, 43, 252–256.

Hartmann, D. P., & George, T. P. (1999). Design, measurement, and analysis in developmental research. In M. H. Bornstein & M. E. Lamb (Eds.), Developmental psychology: An advanced textbook (4th ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum

Miller, S. A. (1998). Developmental research methods (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Rogers, A. G. (2000). When methods matter: qualitative research issues in psychology. Harvard Educational Review, 70, 75–85.

Zablotsky, D. (2001). Why do I have to learn this if I’m not going to graduate school? Teaching research methods in a social psychology of aging course. Educational Gerontology, 27, 609–622.