Chapter 1- Introduction and Basic Concepts Flashcards
Data
a set of scores, measurements, or observations that are typically numeric. A datum (singular) is a single measurement or observation, usually referred to as a score or raw score.
Descriptive statistics
procedures used to summarize, organize, and make sense of a set of scores called data. Descriptive statistics are typically presented graphically, in tabular form (in tables), or as summary statistics (single values)
General Structure for Making Scientific Observations
- Ask a question
- Set up a research study
- Evaluate findings
- Measure behavior
Inferential statistics
procedures used that allow researchers to infer or generalize observations made with samples to the larger population from which they were selected
population
the set of all individuals, items, or data of interest. This is the group about which scientists will generalize.
population parameter
A characteristic (usually numeric) that describes a population
sample
a set of individuals, items, or data selected from a population of interest.
sample statistic.
A characteristic (usually numeric) that describes a sample
Science
the study of phenomena, such as behavior, through strict observation, evaluation, interpretation, and theoretical explanation.
The research method, or scientific method
a set of systematic techniques used to acquire, modify, and integrate knowledge concerning observable and measurable phenomena.
experiment
the use of methods and procedures to make observations in which a researcher fully controls the conditions and experiences of participants by applying three required elements of control (manipulation, randomization, and comparison/control) to isolate cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
Random assignment
a random procedure used to ensure that participants in a study have an equal chance of being assigned to a particular group or condition.
independent variable (IV
the variable that is manipulated in an experiment. This variable remains unchanged (or “independent”) between conditions being observed in an experiment. It is the “presumed cause.” The specific conditions of an IV are referred to as the levels of the independent variable.
dependent variable (DV)
the variable that is measured in each group of a study, and is believed to change in the presence of the independent variable. It is the “presumed effect.”
operational definition
a description of some observable event in terms of the specific process or manner by which it was observed or measured.