In-Class Notes (2/5/25) Flashcards
What is the Scientific Method?
A method of investigation that includes systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
It is one way of knowing about the world, but not the only way.
What is a Research Question?
A question about the nature of phenomena that is answerable by observation and must be falsifiable.
What does Falsifiable mean?
Claims must be made such that evidence for and against the claim can be observed (if it exists).
Define Research Hypothesis.
A statement about the relation between two variables.
What does it mean to Operationalize a concept?
Clearly state how you will measure a concept.
When are cause and effect interpretations appropriate?
Only in some circumstances.
What characterizes Experimental Research?
Study designs characterized by manipulation, control, and equivalent groups.
What is the purpose of Experimental Research?
Determine causality; did X cause Y?
What is the first step in the Research Steps for Experimental Research?
Make equivalent groups using random assignment.
What is random assignment?
Participants are randomly assigned between conditions with an equal chance of assignment to each condition, assigned independently of each other.
What is the difference between random assignment and random sampling?
Random assignment is not random sampling.
What is the role of the Independent Variable (IV) in Experimental Research?
The researcher actively and systematically changes the levels of the IV.
What are Extraneous Variables?
Anything that varies in the study beyond the IV and DV; not a point of interest for the researcher.
What is the final step in the Research Steps for Experimental Research?
Compare groups on the DV.
What defines Non-Experimental Research?
Collection of study designs that do not include manipulation, control, and/or equivalent groups.
What is the purpose of Non-Experimental Research?
Understand how two variables are correlated; correlation does not equal causation.
What should not be done in Non-Experimental Research?
Don’t make equivalent groups, don’t manipulate, and measure both the IV and DV without exerting control.
