Exam 2: 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

Directionality problem

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Third-variable problem

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Spurious correlations

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Complex correlation

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Factor analysis

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Statistical control

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Partial correlation

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Regression

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Predictor variable

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Outcome variable (criterion variable)

Answer 22

The variable being predicted in a regression analysis.

Question 23

Simple regression

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Multiple regression

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Quantitative research

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Qualitative research

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Interviews

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Focus groups

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Mixed methods research

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Naturalistic observation

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Disguised naturalistic observation

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Undisguised naturalistic observation

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Reactivity

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Hawthorne effect

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Participant observation

Answer 35

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

Question 36

Disguised participant observation

Answer 36

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

Question 37

Undisguised participant observation

Answer 37

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

Question 38

Structured observation

Answer 38

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

Question 39

Coding

Answer 39

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

Question 40

Case study

Answer 40

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

Question 41

Archival research

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Content analysis

Answer 42

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