Difference between quantitative and qualitative research?
quan: numbers (things to count)
qual: questions, feelings, open ended
Methods of data collection? Advantages and disadvantages of each?
- clinical/case study: intensive study of one individual
A: complete picture of one individual
D: difficult to generalize findings - ethnography: case study of a group of individuals - researcher immerses themselves in community
A: first hand, rich info
D: researcher could be biases, hard to generalize - self report: ask participants to tell you about their thoughts
- naturalistic observation: researcher watches children in real life settings
A: where behavior naturally occurs
D: doesn’t work well with rarely occurring behaviors - structured observation: observe in lab with standardized conditions
A: better for rare behaviors
D: can’t assume lab behavior generalizes to natural settings
Different types of self reports? Advantages and disadvantages?
- interviews: in person, ask questions
A: Flexible, can get a lot of info
D: Can be biased - social desirability - questionnaires: paper/pencil surveys
A: can analyze data quickly, cheaper, can reduce bias
D: can be less info
Elements of an experimental method? Advantages and disadvantages?
- random sample of overall pop
- random assignment to groups
- introduce DV
- study effects of IV
A: can reveal “cause and effect”, can be replicated
D: limits generalizability (lab), doesn’t always fit question
What is the correlational method? Advantages and disadvantages?
- Indicates degree of relationship b/w 2 variables
- positive vs negative
A: easy to design/analyze, can measure associations that can’t be manipulated by an experiment
D: cannot determine causation bc might be a third variable, can’t determine direction of effect (what causes what)
What is a longitudinal design? Advantages and disadvantages?
same group of kids studied repeatedly over time
A: can identify common patterns + differences on developmental changes
D: expensive, time consuming, attrition (ppl drop out - lead to biased results)
What is a cross sectional design? Advantages and disadvantages?
study different age groups of children at one point in time
A: fast, easy, inexpensive
D: comparing different children (harder to see patterns)
Why is sample selection important consideration in designing and conducting research?
needs to be random to reduce bias
Genotype
combo of genes + alleles
Phenotype
observable characteristics, actual appearance/behaviors
Chromosomes
molecules made up of DNA that store + transmit genetic information (26, 1 sex pair)
Genes
segments of DNA located along chromosomes
DNA
long, double stranded molecule
How and when is a zygote’s sex determined?
At the moment of fertilization, if the egg receives an X or Y from the sperm
How do dominant and recessive traits influence phenotypic expression?
Dom: masks effect of recessive
Rec: only expressed if individual has two of them
What are dominant-recessive disorders and how do they occur genetically?
- genetic conditions passed down through families
- dom: only need one mutated gene
- rec: you need two (can be a carrier)
- ex: PKU, infants lack enzyme that covers amino acid essential for bodily function (treatable)
What is Down syndrome? How does it occur genetically?
genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21
What pre-pregnancy procedures or technologies can assist parents in having healthy children?
- amniocentesis: sample amniotic fluid
- CVS: genetic testing
- fetoscopy
- ultrasound
Define nature and nurture
nature: inborn, biologic givens, genetic inheritance
nurture: physical + social world
What are the philosophical views of Rousseau, Gesell, John Locke, & John Watson?
Rousseau: naturally develop right and wrong, society corrupts you
Gesell: maturation drives development
Locke: blank slate who’s experiences determine who we end up as
Watson: fears are learned
