chapter 1: research Methods Flashcards
scientific method
the process of posing and answering questions using, careful controlled techniques that include systematic, orderly observation and the collection of data
1) identify question of interest
2) formulating an explanation
3) carry out research that either lends support to the explanation or refutes it
theories
explanations and predictions concerning phenomena of interest, providing a framework for understanding the relationships among an organized set of facts or principles
hypothesis
a prediction states in a way that permits testing
order of scientific method
scientific method -> theories -> hypothesis
correlational research
research that seeks to identify whether an association or relationship b/w two factors exists
-associated or related
experimental research
designed to discover causal relationships b/w various factors
types of correlational studies
naturalistic observation
survey research
naturalistic observation
a type of correlational study in which some naturally occurring behaviour is observed without intervention in the situation
-ethnography
ethonography
goal is to understand a cultures values and attitudes through careful, extended examination
case studies
involve extensive, in depth interview with a particular individual or small group of individuals
survey research
a type of study where a group of people chosen to represent some larger population are asked questions about their attitudes, behaviour, or thinking on a given topic
psychophysiological methods
research that focuses on the relationship b/w physiological processes and behaviour
electroencephalogram (EEG)
uses electrodes places on the skull to record electrical activity in the brain. the brain activity is transformed into a pictorial representation of brain-wave patterns
functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) Scan
provides a detailed, 3D computer generated image of brain activity by aiming a powerful magnetic field at the brain. it offers on of the best ways of learning about the operation of the brain
experiment
a process in which an investigator, called an experimenter, devises two different experiences for participants
independent variable
the variable that researchers manipulate in an experiment
dependent variable
the variable that researchers measure in an experiment and expect to change as a results of the the experimental manipulation
random assignment
participants are assigned to different experimental groups or conditions purely on the basis of chance
replicated
sometime using other procedures and techniques with other participants
meta-analysis
permits the results of many studies to be combined into one overall conclusion
sample
the group of participants chosen for the experiment
field study
a research investigation carried out in a naturally occurring setting
laboratory study
a research investigation conducted in a controlled setting explicitly designed to hold events constant
theoretical research
designed to test developmental explanations and expand scientific knowledge
applied research
research meant to provide practical solutions to immediate problems
how to measure change
-longitudinal research, cross-sectional research and sequential research
longitudinal research
research in which the behaviour of one or more participants in a study is measured as they age
- require a tremendous investment of time
- participants may drop out with loss of interest etc.
cross sectional research
research in which people of different ages are compared at the same point in time
sequential studies
research in which a number of different age groups are examined over several points in time
ethics rules
- researchers must protect participants from physical and psychological harm
- researchers must obtain informed consent from participants before participants’ involvement in a study
- the use of deception in research must be justified and cause no harm
- participants’ privacy must be maintained
critical thinking
- consider the source of the advice
- evaluate the credentials of the person providing advice
- understand the difference b/w anecdotal evidence and scientific evidence
- if advice is based on research findings, a clear, transparent description of the studies on which he advice is based should be provided
- don’t overlook the cultural content of the information
