Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

On measuring (in)dependence of cognitive processes

M L Howe1, F M Rabinowitz, M J Grant

  • 1Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.

Psychological Review
|October 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Stochastic independence in psychological research is critically evaluated. Demonstrating response independence alone is insufficient for determining underlying processes; formal models are essential for meaningful interpretation.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Author Correction: Universal DNA methylation age across mammalian tissues.

Nature aging·2023
Same author

Universal DNA methylation age across mammalian tissues.

Nature aging·2023
Same author

Risk factors for post sternotomy wound complications across the patient journey: A systematised review of the literature.

Heart & lung : the journal of critical care·2022
Same author

Observation of the non-linear Meissner effect.

Nature communications·2022
Same author

Torture. Introduction.

Torture : quarterly journal on rehabilitation of torture victims and prevention of torture·2014
Same author

The illogical logic of music torture.

Torture : quarterly journal on rehabilitation of torture victims and prevention of torture·2014

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Statistical Modeling

Background:

  • Stochastic independence is frequently used in psychological research to infer theoretical processes.
  • However, its application presents several statistical challenges, including issues with null hypothesis confirmation, statistical power, and Simpson's paradox.
  • These challenges complicate the interpretation of findings, particularly in areas like memory and cognitive development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the utility and limitations of stochastic independence in psychological research.
  • To examine the implications of statistical challenges associated with independence testing for theoretical conclusions.
  • To propose a more rigorous approach for interpreting findings of statistical independence.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • A critical review of the statistical concept of stochastic independence in the context of psychological research.
  • Analysis of specific statistical problems: null hypothesis confirmation, statistical power, Simpson's paradox, and correlation types (between- and within-subject).
  • Illustration using empirical data from research on reasoning-remembering relationships in memory and cognitive development.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrations of statistical independence between responses are often insufficient to determine whether a single or multiple underlying psychological processes are operating.
  • Statistical issues like Simpson's paradox can lead to misleading conclusions about relationships between variables.
  • Interpreting independence findings requires careful consideration of the statistical methods and potential biases.

Conclusions:

  • Findings of stochastic independence, on their own, do not provide adequate evidence for theoretical claims about psychological processes.
  • Formal modeling approaches are necessary to meaningfully interpret results related to statistical (in)dependence.
  • A more sophisticated approach integrating statistical rigor with theoretical modeling is needed for advancing psychological science.