2: Research Designs And Research-based Claims Flashcards
Variable
- Something that varies in study
- takes on at least 2 values, or +
- only two values dichotomous
Constant
- something that doesn’t vary
- only 1 value but can take up multiple values in other contexts
Measured variables
- observed and recorded
- some can only be measured: naturally occurring. And unethical to manipulate.
Manipulated variables
- have multiple levels that are controlled by researcher
- assigning participants to diff levels
- some can be both measured and manipulated
Conceptual variables
Research question guides choice of variable to measure or manipulate
Psychological constructs
Abstract conceptual variables that may not be directly observable.
(Memory, depression, intelligence)
Descriptive research
Observe and measure individual variables
Correlations research
Measure two or more variables and test for relationships among them
Experimental research
Conduct controlled experiments to look for causal connections among variables.
-requires manipulating IV. Measuring DV. Controlling EVs
Describe the world
Frequency claims.
Supported by descriptive research. Only 1 measured variable.
Frequency claims
Describe a particular rate or degree of a single variable.
- count or percent(proportion)
- average of all cases (mean)
- supported by descriptive research
- 1 measured
Make predictions
Association claims
- supported by correlational research
- 2 measured variables
- if we can predict the value, we can take appropriate actions in anticipation
Association claims
Argue that 1 value of a variable is likely to be associative with a particular value of another variable.
-as one variable changes. The other tends to change.
-
Control the world
Causal claims
- supported by experimental research
- 1 manipulated and 1 measured
- if we know cause and effect relationships. We can take appropriate actions to obtain a desired outcome.
Causal claims
Argue that one variable is responsible for changing the other variable.
