Chapter 1: Research Methods [Exam 1] Flashcards
Naturalistic Observation
An in-depth study of a phenomenon in its natural setting.
Survey
Large number of people are asked the same questions about attitudes and behavior.
Good results require large samples that are typical, or representative of the population that you want to describe.
Case Study
Provides an in-depth analysis of the behavior of one person or a small number or people.
Evaluate a case by interviews, background checks/records, observation, personality tests, cognitive tests, and brain imaging.
Correlational Methods
Correlations measure the direction and strength of the relationship between two variables (or factors) that can vary.
Discuss the relationships between two variables.
Statistical Analysis
Comparing the values of one variable to those of the other.
3 possible outcomes: positive, negative, or zero.
Provides a clearer picture than single experiments observed in isolation.
Directionality Problem
Just because A and B are correlated, doesn’t mean that A is the CAUSE of B (vice versa).
Experimental Methods
Drawing conclusions from experiments.
A researcher has more control over the experiment/situation.
Independent Variable
What you are manipulating in an experiment.
Dependent Variable
What you are measuring in an experiment.
Random Assignment
The procedure in which each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group in an experiment.
Operalization
Independent and dependent variables are defined and implemented.
There may be differences with researchers - how to experiment aggression in teens? Difference in what variables to use.
Types of Central Tendency:
- Mean
- Mode
- Median
Types of Variance:
- Standard Deviation
2. Correlation Coefficient
Ethics in Research
Informed consent, minimize harm, confidentiality.
