Chapter 2 Flashcards
Differentiate between empiricism and determinism
Empiricism holds that we are able to know things about the world through careful observation while determinism is the belief that all events are the product of lawful, cause and effect relationships
What are the 5 steps of the scientific method?
Observing a phenomenon
Formulating hypotheses and predictions
Testing through empirical research
Drawing conclusions
Evaluating theory
Examples of observing a phenomenon
- currents events
- social issues
- personal experiences
Define a theory
A theory is a broad idea or set of closely related ideas that attempts to explain observations
Define a hypothesis
An educated guess that derives logically from a theory and previous research findings - an expectation that can be tested
Define prediction
Specific expectation for the outcome of a study
Define empirical method
Creating new knowledge through observation and experimentation through collecting data and analyzing information
Define variable
Anything that can change or take on different values
Define operational definition
Objective description of how a variable is going to be measured and observed in a particular study
Differentiate between direct replication and conceptual replication
Direct: doing the study precisely as it was conducted in its original form
Conceptual: doing the study with different methods or different types of samples
Definition of meta analysis
Type of systematic review that statistically combines results of quantitative studies - allows researchers to conclude whether their results are consistent
Define descriptive research
Involves describing some phenomenon - determining basic dimensions of variables and defining what it is, how often it occurs etc
Examples of descriptive research methods
- naturalistic observation
- archival research
- physical trace research
- surveys and interviews
- case studies
- correlational research
- longitudinal designs
Define naturalistic observation
Involves viewing behaviour in a real world setting
What is archival research?
Uses records produced by people, governments and corporations
What is physical trace research?
Study of the remnants and physical changes in the environment
Why are Surveys and questionnaires criticized?
Participants tend to answer questions in a way that will make them look good rather than in a way that communicates their true beliefs and thoughts which is referred to as impression management or social desirability bias
What is a case study?
In depth investigation of a small group of individuals or often only a single person that display unique characteristics. May provide information about a person’s beliefs, perceptions, hopes, traumatic experiences and more and often relies on qualitative data collection
What is correlational research?
Tells us about the relationship between 2 variables and how 2 variables change together
What do the signs (+,- and 0) tell us about correlations
A positive sign means the variables move in the same direction. A negative sign means the variables are moving in opposite directions and a zero correlation means that there is no systematic relationship between the variables
Why does correlation not equal causation?
Seeing two variables moving together does not necessarily mean we know whether one variable causes the other to occur
Define cross sectional design
Is a type of correlational study in which variables are measured at a single point in time
Define longitudinal design
Involves obtaining measure s of the variables of interest in multiple waves over time