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Chapter 4

The document discusses the study of abnormal behavior using scientific methods, highlighting the complexity of biological and psychological factors involved. It outlines key questions in abnormal psychology, basic components of research studies, various research methods, and the importance of statistical and clinical significance. Additionally, it emphasizes research ethics, including informed consent and confidentiality.

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18 views3 pages

Chapter 4

The document discusses the study of abnormal behavior using scientific methods, highlighting the complexity of biological and psychological factors involved. It outlines key questions in abnormal psychology, basic components of research studies, various research methods, and the importance of statistical and clinical significance. Additionally, it emphasizes research ethics, including informed consent and confidentiality.

Uploaded by

jakevoteaaa
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Reviewer: Examining Abnormal Behavior and Research Methods

Understanding Abnormal Behavior


• Behavioral scientists study abnormal behavior using the scientific method, similar
to how other sciences study natural phenomena.
• The study of abnormal behavior is complex due to the interaction of biological
and psychological factors.
• Researchers aim to identify what behaviors are considered problematic, why they
occur, and how to treat them effectively.
• Since mental processes are not directly observable, scientists use creative and
systematic methods to study abnormal behavior.

Key Questions in Abnormal Psychology


1. What problems cause distress and impair functioning?
• Researchers identify specific symptoms and behavioral issues that interfere with
a person’s daily life.
2. Why do people behave in unusual ways? (Etiology)
• Studies investigate biological, psychological, and environmental influences on
abnormal behavior.
3. How can people be helped to behave in more adaptive ways? (Treatment)
• Researchers evaluate different interventions and therapies to determine their
effectiveness.

Basic Components of a Research Study

1. Hypothesis
• A hypothesis is an educated guess about what a researcher expects to find.
• It must be testable and stated clearly. Example:
• “Does increased exposure to sunlight reduce depression?”
• Hypotheses guide the structure of research and help in forming conclusions.

2. Research Design
• A structured plan to test the hypothesis.
• Determines what variables will be measured and how they will be analyzed.

3. Variables in Research
• Independent Variable (IV): The factor that is manipulated or changed.
• Example: A new medication for depression.
• Dependent Variable (DV): The factor that is measured to see if the IV has an
effect.
• Example: The severity of depression symptoms after taking medication.
• Confounding Variable: Any factor that might interfere with results.
• Example: If participants in a sleep study drink coffee before bedtime, it could
affect sleep patterns.

4. Validity in Research
• Internal Validity: Ensures that the IV is responsible for changes in the DV, not
other factors.
• External Validity: Determines if the study’s results can be applied to real-world
situations.
• Generalizability: Measures whether study findings apply to people beyond the
sample tested.

Types of Research Methods

1. Case Studies
• In-depth study of a single person or small group.
• Useful for rare disorders or new conditions.
• Limitations: Cannot be generalized to a larger population.

2. Correlational Research
• Examines relationships between two variables without manipulating them.
• Example: Does childhood trauma increase the risk of anxiety disorders?
• Correlation does not imply causation!
• A strong correlation between A and B does not mean A caused B.
• Types of Correlations:
• Positive Correlation (+1.00): Both variables increase together.
• Example: More stress leads to higher anxiety.
• Negative Correlation (-1.00): One variable increases while the other decreases.
• Example: More social support leads to less depression.
• Zero Correlation (0.00): No relationship between variables.
• Example: Hair color and intelligence.

3. Experimental Research
• The only method that establishes cause and effect relationships.
• Researchers manipulate an independent variable and observe its effect on a
dependent variable.
• Uses control groups and randomization to ensure reliability.
• Example:
• Hypothesis: Cognitive therapy reduces depression.
• IV: Therapy (Cognitive Therapy vs. No Therapy).
• DV: Depression levels after treatment.
• Control Group: People who do not receive therapy.

4. Epidemiological Research
• Studies how disorders are distributed in populations.
• Key Terms:
• Prevalence: The total number of cases in a population at a given time.
• Incidence: The number of new cases during a specific period.
• Example: Studying the number of depression cases among college students over
the past year.

5. Single-Case Experimental Designs


• Focuses on one person and their response to treatment.
• Types:
• Withdrawal Design: Treatment is introduced and then removed to see if
symptoms return.
• Multiple Baseline Design: Treatment is applied at different times across
behaviors, settings, or individuals.
• Example:
• A psychologist treats a child’s aggressive behavior at home first, then at school
later, to see if the treatment is truly effective.

Statistical vs. Clinical Significance


• Statistical Significance: Whether a result is due to chance.
• Clinical Significance: Whether a treatment makes a meaningful difference in a
patient’s life.
• Example:
• A drug reduces anxiety from 75% to 73% in patients.
• Statistically significant? Yes (small difference but not due to chance).
• Clinically significant? No (only a 2% improvement, which may not matter to
patients).

Research Ethics
• Informed Consent: Participants must be aware of the study’s purpose and risks.
• Confidentiality: Personal data must be protected.
• Deception: Allowed only if it is necessary and does not harm participants.
• Debriefing: Participants must be informed about the study’s true purpose
afterward.

Concept Check Questions


1. What is the difference between internal and external validity?
2. Why is it important to distinguish between correlation and causation?
3. What are the ethical considerations in psychological research?
4. How does a control group help in an experimental study?
5. Why are single-case experimental designs useful in studying behavior?

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