Chapter 4 - Fundamental Research Issues

Question 0

Construct Validity

Answer 0

Construct validity is the degree to which a measurement device accurately measures the theoretical construct it is designed to measure.

Question 1

Confounding Variable

Answer 1

A confounding variable is a variable that is not controlled in a research investigation. In an experiment, the experimental groups differ on both the independent variable and the confounding variable.

Question 2

Correlation Coefficient

Answer 2

The correlation coefficient is an index of how strongly two variables are related to each other.

Question 3

Curvilinear Relationship

Answer 3

A curvilinear relationship is a relationship between two variable in which changes in the values of the first variable are accompanied by both increases and decreases in the values of another variable.

Question 4

Dependent Variable

Answer 4

The dependent variable is the variable that is the subject’s response to, and dependent on, the level of the manipulated independent variable.

Question 5

Experimental Control

Answer 5

Experimental control refers to eliminating the influence of an extraneous variable on the outcome of an experiment by keeping the variable constant in the experimental and control groups.

Question 6

Experimental Method

Answer 6

The experimental method is a method of determining whether variables are related, in which the researcher manipulates the independent variable and controls all other variables either by randomization or by direct experimental control.

Question 7

External Validity

Answer 7

External validity refers to the degree to which the results of an experiment may be generalized.

Question 8

Field Experiment

Answer 8

A field experiment is an experiment that is conducted in a natural setting rather than in a laboratory setting.

Question 9

Independent Variable

Answer 9

The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Question 10

Internal Validity

Answer 10

Internal validity refers to the certainty with which results of an experiment can be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than to some other, confounding variable.

Question 11

Negative Linear Relationship

Answer 11

A negative linear relationship is a relationship in which increases in the values of the first variable are accompanied by decreases in the values of the second variable.

Question 12

Non-experimental Method

Answer 12

The non-experimental method is the use of measurement of variables to determine whether variables are related to one another. It is also called the correlational method.

Question 13

Operational Definition

Answer 13

An operational definition is a definition of a concept that specifies the method used to measure or manipulate the concept.

Question 14

Participant (Subject) Variable

Answer 14

A participant, or subject, variable is a characteristic of the research participant such as gender, age, personality, or ability.

Question 15

Positive Linear Relationship

Answer 15

A positive linear relationship is a relationship in which increases in the values of the first variable are accompanied by increases in the values of the second variable.

Question 16

Randomization

Answer 16

Randomization refers to controlling for the effects of extraneous variables by ensuring that the variables operate in a manner determined entirely by chance.

Question 17

Third-Variable Problem

Answer 17

The third variable problem refers to a third variable that is extraneous to the two variables of interest and can possibly confound the results. True experiments control for the possible influence of third variables.

Question 18

Variable

Answer 18

A variable is any event, situation, behavior, or individual characteristic that varies - that is, has at least two values.