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)
What is historical quantitative research
A description of the past events
A meta-analysis of studies
What is a meta-analysis of studies
Examination of data from several Independent studies On the same subject to look for overall trends
The positivist research paradigm holds that:
Truth is known. Hypotheses are generated before the study begins
The post positive research paradigm says that:
We might know the truth. It is semi objective. Other factors and forces my exert influences on the variables.
“The results likely suggest…”
“Correlation”
constructionist or constructivist research paradigm holds that
Truth is subjective. Data are collected before the hypothesis. The researcher is the instrument and is an essential facet and influence or in the study
The transformative research paradigm is
Research that is politically savvy and attempts to address systemic and societal issues across all peoples
Chapter 1 of a research proposal provides what:
Justification and rationale for the study
Chapter 2 of a research proposal provides what?
The literature review
Chapter 3 of a research proposal provides what?
The methodology of the proposed study.
What are the three types of research questions?
Descriptive – describing a phenomenon or event
Difference – looking for differences between two groups or within individual participants
Relationship – explore the degree that which two variables are related
What is sampling bias
when a sample is Collected in such a way that some members of the population have a lower or higher chance of being picked than others
What is motivational bias
A conscious or unconscious distortion motivated by one’s incentives or motivations
What is impression management
When people aren’t honest about their conduct. An example would be number of sex partners or “I only had two drinks“
What is the purpose of research
One to improve knowledge
2) To improve efficiency and effectiveness
3) To determine what works
4) To inform policy
5) To make data driven decisions
Random sampling is:
All members of a population have an equal probability of being selected
Convenience sampling is:
Using participants who are willing able and available. But may not be representative of the greater population
Snowball sampling is:
when participants in a study are asked to suggest and refer other participants.
Simple random sampling is:
All members have an equal chance of being selected
Systematic random sampling is:
Random selection of individuals at specified intervals - example every 10th person
What is stratified random sampling
Dividing populations into strata to maintain proportionality. Example balancing males and females in a study
What is multi stage cluster sampling
Selection of groups of people not individuals which will occur in two or more data collection intervals. For example using three middle schools across the country then doing for high schools
What is purposive sampling

Deliberate selection of Specified individuals to participate in the study
When choosing a sample what is “matching”
ensuring that members of a sample have similar characteristics so that the independent variable can be tested against the dependent variable

When choosing a sample what is blocking
Grouping so that the sample is homogeneous . Pretty much “matching” for groups
What is statical power
The likelihood of a test detecting an effect when there actually is one
What are the types of qualitative studies
Ethnomethodology
Phenomenology
Grounded Theory
Historical
Case study
Action research
Narrative
What is Ethnomethodology and give an example
Studies how social order is produced In and through the process of social interaction
Examines the ordinary and “norms” of some thing
Example: how middle school students define their social groups
In QLT research what is a case study and give an example
Examines the ideal or outliers
Example: serial killer Aileen Wuornos opinions on men
Or How Michael Jordan plays basketball
What is phenomenology
Phenomenology Is the philosophy of “experience” Therefore Phenomenological Study would be a study of someone’s experience
Example: exploring the lived experiences of women undergoing breast biopsy
What is “grounded theory” as a type of qualitative research?
Construction of a hypothesis through collecting data. In other words… It’s pretty much the opposite of quantitative research.
Example: why are employers frustrated by their job?
The process would be HR gathers data comes up with themes about what the employee say and comes up with a theory about why the work place is frustrating. 
Is action research qualitative or quantitative?
Qualitative
Is historical research qualitative or quantitative
Qualitative
What is a moderating variable
A moderating variable is one that can strengthen, diminish, negate, or otherwise alter the relationship between the independent and dependent variables
Example: gender being the moderate variable , Hours spent exercising is the independent variable, resting heart rate is the dependent variable
What is a mediating or an intervening variable
 A theoretical variable that The researcher uses To explain a cause or connection between the independent and dependent variable
Stands between the IV and the DV
What is statistical precision
As sample size increases statistical precision increases
What is effect size
A measure of how much a meaningful difference exist between groups being compared

What are performance measures
Typically test in which the objective is for the test take her to obtain his or her best score
What are attitudinal measures
Measures attitude or beliefs. Typically use inventories to try and measure a typical score
