Chapter 2 Flashcards
Forming a research question
Constructs=things that can be assumed are there but cannot be seen directly( aggression, anxiety )
What are the steps of scientific research?
- Forming a research question, 2. Forming a hypothesis, 3. Testing the hypothesis, 4. Analyzing the results, 5.Drawing conclusions, 6. Replication, 7. Validation, 8. New questions
Forming a hypothesis
Hypothesis=educated guess
Testing the hypothesis
Various methods
Analyzing the results
Look for patterns and relationships in the data
Drawing conclusions
Used in the validation of theories
Replication
Study must be repeated with same results
Validation
Study must measure what it’s supposed to
New questions
Process should lead to new questions
Survey
Series of questions about a particular subject
- written questionnaires or interviews
- information may not be completely accurate
Target population
Whole group to be studied
Sample
Small part of target population
Random sample
Participants selected by chance; each member has equal chance
Stratified sample
Subgroups are represented proportionately
Bias
Predisposition to a certain point of view despite facts
Volunteer bias
People who volunteer have a different outlook from those who don’t
- volunteers may be more willing to disclose personal information
- volunteers may be more interested in research than others
Correlation
Measure of how closely one thing is related to another
- the stronger correlation, the more closely related the items being measured
Positive correlation
One variable increases, the other one increases; one variable decreases, the other decreases
Negative correlation
As one variable increases, the other variable decreases; vice versa
Independent variable
Factor that researchers manipulate so they can determine effect
Dependent variable
Depends on something; what is being measured
Experimental group
Receives the treatment/manipulation
Control group
Doesn’t receive treatment
Placebo
Substance or treatment that has no effect aside from a persons belief in its effect
Single-blind study
Participants do not know wether they are in the experimental group or on the control group
