More APA Style Experimental vs. Correlational Personality Lab November 16, 2010

APA Style Abstract -- brief comprehensive summary of study up to 250 words ▫The topic or problem being studied ▫Participants and their characteristics ▫Method ▫Findings ▫Conclusions

Example Abstract Abstract This study examined self- and other-representations accompanying trait hostility.

Example Abstract Abstract This study examined self- and other-representations accompanying trait hostility. Participants characterized four targets, Self as Usual, Worst Self, Closest Friend, and Disrespected Other, using six scales. Four scales measured dimensions with hypothesized links to hostility (hostile motivation, social threat, anger experience, denigration) and two did not (non-anger negative emotion, positivity).

Example Abstract Abstract This study examined self- and other-representations accompanying trait hostility. Participants characterized four targets, Self as Usual, Worst Self, Closest Friend, and Disrespected Other, using six scales. Four scales measured dimensions with hypothesized links to hostility (hostile motivation, social threat, anger experience, denigration) and two did not (non-anger negative emotion, positivity). Findings partially confirmed predicted associations between hostility and the first four dimensions, controlling statistically for depressive symptoms and trait anxiety. Hostile negativity was reflected to a substantial degree in all four targets, both self- and non-self-referent, and both normatively positive (Usual Self, Closest Friend) and negative (Worst Self, Disrespected Other).

Example Abstract Abstract This study examined self- and other-representations accompanying trait hostility. Participants characterized four targets, Self as Usual, Worst Self, Closest Friend, and Disrespected Other, using six scales. Four scales measured dimensions with hypothesized links to hostility (hostile motivation, social threat, anger experience, denigration) and two did not (non-anger negative emotion, positivity). Findings partially confirmed predicted associations between hostility and the first four dimensions, controlling statistically for depressive symptoms and trait anxiety. Hostile negativity was reflected to a substantial degree in all four targets, both self- and non-self-referent, and both normatively positive (Usual Self, Closest Friend) and negative (Worst Self, Disrespected Other). These findings have potentially important implications for conceptualizing trait hostility and its relationship to negative psychological and physical health outcomes.

Method Section Sufficient Detail to Replicate Study Permit Others to Evaluate Appropriateness Information to Provide ▫Participants ▫Measures

Discussion Evaluate Results Conceptual Meaning of Results Compare Results to Previous Research ▫Similar/Different Limitations of Current Research Future Research Take Home Message

Experimental Research Random Assignment to 2 or more groups Experimental Manipulation (i.e., X Independent Variable) Measure Outcome of Manipulation (i.e., Y Dependent Variable Causal Conclusion – Manipulation of X Caused Y

Correlational Research Select Research Participants Multiple Measurements of Person (i.e., Many “Y”s but no “X”s Real Life -- Yes Lab -- No

Experimental and Correlational Designs – Experimental Study 60 people from Intro Psych participate Randomly Assigned to Pos & Neg Conditions Everyone works on anagram problems for 2 minutes Feedback given – different for two conditions Take Self-Esteem Questionnaire People score higher in Pos Condition Conclusion – Pos Feedback causes Hi SE

Experimental and Correlational Designs – Correlational Study 2 6 th Classrooms Videotaped for 1 month (selected because researcher knows teachers) Researcher Administers Self-Esteem Questionnaire on last day of study Researchers Analyze Videotapes & Derive Counts of Pos & Neg Feedback for each Student Results – more Neg Feedback related to lower Self-Esteem Conclusion – Neg Feedback causes Lo SE

Comparison of Experimental and Correlational Research Designs

Comparison of Experimental and Correlational Research Designs, cont.

Individuals vs. Groups Idiographic – intensive study of a single individual Nomothetic – study of a group of persons