ch.2 Flashcards
goal of research
To develop knowledge about factors that cause people to think and behave differently
To determine factors that constrain or limit behavior
theories
Theories organize knowledge by proposing links among variables.
Variable – a measured characteristic on which people differ.
postulates
Postulates – links among variables in theories that are based on: Results of research Observations and experience Speculations Combination of all these sources
hypothesis
proposed relationship between two variables that can be tested in research.
hypothetical constructs
Abstract concepts that are used in theories and studied in research
operational definition
Concrete representations of hypothetical constructs
Are directly observable
hypothesis and prediction
Any one hypothetical construct will have more than one possible operational definition.
Predictions restate hypotheses in terms of operational definitions.
drawing conclusions
Where the hypotheses supported?
Quantitative data
Statistical analysis provides information about how likely it is that a certain outcome occurred by chance.
Qualitative data
Researchers look for patterns of responses or behavior that support the hypotheses.
what does the data mean?
Research findings can often have more than one explanation.
Researchers who hold different theoretical orientations are likely to put more faith in interpretations that are consistent with the theories they prefer.
A given phenomenon could have more than one cause and explanation.
verifying results
Ensure accuracy by verifying research results through:
Exact Replication – redoing the study using the same procedures.
Conceptual Replication – redoing the study with changes in procedures.
Generalizability
Results of research on a hypothesis should be similar regardless of how a study is conducted
research strategies
Research strategy
A general approach to doing research
Defined in terms of how data are collected
Strategies most commonly used in research on prejudice:
Correlational studies
Experiments
correlational studies
Researchers measure two or more variables and look for relationships among them.
Surveys are most commonly used.
survey research
Respondents answer questions designed to assess their attitudes, beliefs, opinions, behaviors, and personalities.
sampling
Sampling
The process of how the researchers find participants
Two types of Sampling
probability sampling
Sample has all characteristics of the population in the same proportion they are found in the population.
Provides confidence that relationships found in the sample exist in the population.
convenience sampling
Sample consists of people from whom the researchers can easily collect data.
No way to know how well the sample represents any given population.
Must be cautious about drawing conclusions.
correlation coefficient
A statistic that describes the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.
-1 ≤ r ≥ 1
0 = no relationship
-1 or 1 = perfect relationship
Positive or negative indicates the direction of correlation.
Correlational research can only show that two variables are related to each other.
It can not determine whether one of the variables is causing the other.
covariation
requires the causal variable to be related to the effect variable.
time precedence of the cause
the cause must come before the effect.
causality
Absence of alternative explanations for the effect
experiments
In experiments, researchers take control of the research situation to ensure that the three criteria for causality are met.
This allows researchers to determine if one variable caused another variable to change.
Independent variable = Proposed cause
Dependent variable = Proposed effect
Researchers manipulate the independent variable by creating two or more conditions.
true experiments
For a True Experiment to occur three criteria need to be met –
- Manipulation of an I.V.
- Random Assignment of participants
- Control of all other extraneous variables and confounds
laboratory experiment
Research carried out in a highly controlled environment
field experiments
Research carried out in a natural setting while maintaining as much control as possible