CHAPTER2 Flashcards
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION
describes exactly what the variables are and how they are measured within the context of a study.
SECONDARY ANALYSIS
The process of data collection that examines information that has been collected by someone else.
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
The process of gathering more specific and detailed information from the sample being studied.
GENERALIZATION
a statement about the recurrent relationships between particular variables.
DATA
Information in some form that needs statistical interpretation
MEAN
average. add up all numerical values and divide it by total number of respondents
HYPOTHESIS
A prediction about the outcome of manipulated variables
RELIABILITY
the process of ensuring that research findings are consistent if they are to be replicated by other scientists.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
the process of reducing general research data into numbers.
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
the outcome of manipulated variables, which researchers then measure to determine its overall significance. This is your EFFECT variable.
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
This is the variable that researchers manipulate to determine its influence on the outcome of the second set of variables. This is your CAUSE variable.
VALIDITY
the researcher must make sure that their operational definitions measure what they were intended to measure.
CORRELATION
established statistical relationships between particular Variables. There are (3) types of correlations:
- POSITIVE this occurs when one variable increases, a second variable will increase with it. Ex. The higher your education, the more money one is likely to make.
- NEGATIVE this occurs when one variable increases, and a second variable decreases. Ex. Not all college graduates will become financially successful.
- SPURIOUS this occurs when both variables appear to be statistically related, but not logically acceptable.
PROBABILITY
argues that generalizations will hold good only under specific conditions because if circumstances change, other variables might come into play and influence the existing relationship.
RANDOM SAMPLE
designed to ensure that each subject has an equal chance of being selected into a research study.
ANALYSIS
The process of interpreting gathered data; usually through statistical measurements.
PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
the researcher becomes personally involved in the activities of their subjects.
EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
research based solely on scientific observation and evaluation.
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
A form of research conversation in which a specific list of questions will be asked to the respondent.
NATURALISTIC OBSERVATION
the researcher observes their subjects at a distance without revealing their identity or intentions.
HAWTHORNE EFFECT
Occurs when a subject’s behavior changes when they are being observed or evaluated.
SPURIOUS CORRELATION
when both variables appear to be statistically related, but not logically acceptable.
EXPERIMENT
the process of scientific analysis in which independent variables are introduced to determine their effect on other variables.
VARIABLE
a characteristic that can change across time, across space, or from one individual or group to another
TEMPORAL PRIORITY
Organizing variables to ensure that the cause happens before the effect.
CAUSATION
occurs when one variable influences the outcome of a second variable.
