EXAM 1 Flashcards
Research definition
Is a systematic process of steps that
1) identify a research problem or issue of a study
2) reviews the literature
3) specifies a purpose for the study
4) collects and analyzes the data
5) interprets the information
6) and reports to audiences, that is evaluated community.
Whitman definition- empirical systematic investigation of the relationship between two or more variables
What are the traits of good research
1) Empirical
2) Systematic
3) Reliable
4) Valid
Independent Variable
An attribute or characteristic that influences an outcome (DV)
Categorizes things
People with high GPA‘s
Dependent Variable
An attribute or characteristics that is dependent on or influenced by the independent variable.
What are the steps in the scientific method
A process of
1) defining a problem
2) making a hypothesis
3) gather literature collect data
4) data analysis
5) results and reporting
What are three types of research
Basic, Applied, and Action
“Basic” Research
A general inquiry to learn more about a given phenomenon
“Applied Research”
Research performed to solve a specific problem or generate practical solutions.
“Action Research”
A form of applied research where in goal is to solve a specific problem in a local setting.
Generalizability is not a concern
What are the four research paradigms
1) POSITIVISTS (Truth is known) cause
2) POST POSITIVISTS (Semi objective. We might know truth) correlation
3) CONSTRUCTIONIST/CONSTRUCTIVIST (Subjective. Truth is situationally based in subject to interpretation)
4) TRSNSFORMATIVE: research that is politically savvy an attempt to address systemic and societal issues across all peoples.
What is validity
Does the instrument measure what it reports to? Can meaningful inferences be made from the results of the instrument?
What is your favorite color
Yellow!!!! no blue!!!! Arrrrrrrgh!!!! 
 in terms of validity
Evidence based on content means
How well the continent is represented by the sample used in the instrument.
A test about the Olympics would ask questions about sports not submarines
Evidence based on the response process means
(Validity)
How will the scores of an instrument compare to observers ratings of the individual completing the instrument. Do they match.
Example… My intelligence versus a grade in Dr. Whitman’s class
What is evidence based on internal structure
A statistical analysis of items in the instrument

Does the measurement show that the IV is affecting the DV
 The degree to which we can accurately infer that X caused or is related to Y
What is criterion validity
Establishes validity through a comparison to another external standard or benchmark
A criterion is concurrent when:
The items being measured compare to each other NOW 
A criterion is preductive when
How well something predicts another measure in the future.
SAT scores and GPA after her first year of college
Construct validity is:
The accumulation of evidence to support the interpretation of what a measure reflects
Is the ability of an instrument to accurately measure a construct. Such as “a math test to measure sign language ability.“ Has no construct validity
Internal validity of a study is:
The degree of Confidence that the causal relationship Being tested It’s not influenced by other factors or variables
What is external validity
The degree to which the results of a study can be applied (generalized) to other groups, situations, or events
What is experimental quantitative research
Direct manipulation of the independent variable by the researcher. Random selection and assignment of subjects.
What is quasi experimental quantitative research
Direct manipulation of the independent variable by the researcher. Intact groups used as subjects.
(Example: you can’t break up to fourth grade classes for random sampling if you plan on using one has a control group)
What is non-experimental quantitative research
No manipulation of variables. Their bills are studied is the naturally occur in the real world.. (Correlation) (surveys)