Chapter 6_Nonexperimental Research

Question 1

Nonexperimental research

Answer 1

Research that lacks manipulation of an independent variable and measures variables as they naturally occur. It cannot establish causal relationships.

Question 2

Correlational research

Answer 2

A type of non-experimental research where the statistical relationship between two variables is measured without manipulation. It cannot establish causality.

Question 3

Observational research

Answer 3

Research in which behavior is systematically observed and recorded without manipulation of variables. It is non-experimental and cannot infer causality.

Question 4

Cross-sectional studies

Answer 4

Studies that compare different groups of people at a single point in time. They cannot establish causal relationships.

Question 5

Longitudinal studies

Answer 5

Studies that follow the same group of individuals over time to observe changes. While they can show changes over time, they do not establish causality.

Question 6

Cohort effect

Answer 6

Differences between groups in cross-sectional studies that result from the unique experiences of each group (cohort) rather than from age or time effects.

Question 7

Cross-sequential studies

Answer 7

Studies that combine cross-sectional and longitudinal designs to measure different age groups over time, helping to control for cohort effects.

Question 8

Internal validity

Answer 8

The extent to which a study can establish a causal relationship between variables, primarily relevant to experimental research.

Question 9

Scatterplot

Answer 9

A graphical representation of the relationship between two variables, showing individual data points on a two-dimensional grid.

Question 10

Positive relationship

Answer 10

A statistical relationship where as one variable increases, the other variable also increases (or both decrease together).

Question 11

Negative relationship

Answer 11

A statistical relationship where as one variable increases, the other variable decreases (and vice versa).

Question 12

Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r)

Answer 12

A statistical measure that indicates the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to +1.

Question 13

Restriction of range

Answer 13

When the range of one or both variables in a correlation is limited, reducing the ability to detect a relationship between them.

Question 14

Directionality problem

Answer 14

A problem in correlational research where it is unclear whether variable X causes variable Y or vice versa, preventing causal conclusions.

Question 15

Third-variable problem

Answer 15

A situation in which an unmeasured third variable influences both variables under study, leading to a spurious correlation.

Question 16

Spurious correlations

Answer 16

Correlations between two variables that appear related but are actually influenced by a third variable or random chance.

Question 17

Complex correlation

Answer 17

An analysis that explores relationships among multiple variables simultaneously, often through techniques like factor analysis and regression.

Question 18

Factor analysis

Answer 18

A statistical technique used to identify clusters of related variables (factors) within a larger set of measured variables.

Question 19

Statistical control

Answer 19

A method used to account for the influence of extraneous variables by including them in the statistical analysis, helping clarify relationships.

Question 20

Partial correlation

Answer 20

A statistical technique that measures the relationship between two variables while controlling for the effect of one or more other variables.

Question 21

Regression

Answer 21

A statistical technique that predicts the value of one variable based on the value of another, often used in correlational research.

Question 22

Predictor variable

Answer 22

The variable that is used to predict the value of another variable (in regression analysis).

Question 23

Outcome variable (criterion variable)

Answer 23

The variable being predicted in a regression analysis.

Question 24

Simple regression

Answer 24

A type of regression analysis where one predictor variable is used to predict one outcome variable.

Question 25

Multiple regression

Answer 25

A regression analysis that uses two or more predictor variables to predict the value of an outcome variable.

Question 26

Quantitative research

Answer 26

Research that collects and analyzes numerical data to understand patterns and relationships between variables.

Question 27

Qualitative research

Answer 27

Research that collects non-numerical data, often through interviews or observations, to understand subjective experiences and meanings.

Question 28

Interviews

Answer 28

A qualitative research method involving direct questioning of participants to gather in-depth information.

Question 29

Focus groups

Answer 29

A qualitative research method involving group discussions to explore participants’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences on a specific topic.

Question 30

Theoretical narrative

Answer 30

A way of presenting qualitative research results by creating a narrative based on the theory and data gathered.

Question 31

Mixed methods research

Answer 31

A research approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a fuller understanding of the research question.

Question 32

Triangulation

Answer 32

The use of multiple methods or data sources in research to enhance the reliability and validity of the results.

Question 33

Naturalistic observation

Answer 33

A type of observational research in which behavior is observed in its natural environment without any manipulation or intervention.

Question 34

Disguised naturalistic observation

Answer 34

Observation where the researcher conceals their presence to avoid influencing the participants’ behavior.

Question 35

Undisguised naturalistic observation

Answer 35

Observation where participants are aware they are being observed, which may influence their behavior (reactivity).

Question 36

Reactivity

Answer 36

The phenomenon where individuals alter their behavior because they are aware they are being observed.

Question 37

Hawthorne effect

Answer 37

A specific type of reactivity where participants change their behavior simply because they are receiving attention in a study.

Question 38

Participant observation

Answer 38

An observational method in which the researcher actively engages in the group or environment being studied.

Question 39

Disguised participant observation

Answer 39

Participant observation where the researcher’s identity and intentions are concealed from the group being studied.

Question 40

Undisguised participant observation

Answer 40

Participant observation where the researcher’s identity is known to the group being studied.

Question 41

Structured observation

Answer 41

An observational method where researchers record specific behaviors in a structured environment, often using predefined coding systems.

Question 42

Coding

Answer 42

The process of categorizing and recording specific behaviors or responses during observational research.

Question 43

Case study

Answer 43

An in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event, often used when studying rare phenomena or unique cases.

Question 44

Archival research

Answer 44

Research that involves analyzing existing data, such as historical records or datasets, to address new research questions.

Question 45

Content analysis

Answer 45

A research method used to interpret and analyze the content of textual, visual, or media data to identify patterns or themes.