Introduction to research Flashcards
objective
basing conclusions and interpretations on observable, verifiable data rather than personal biases and opinions
empirical
based on the systematic collection and analysis of data
theory
a well-established set of principles that aims to explain and predict human behavior based on evidence and observation
falsifiable
a study or theory that can be potentially proven false through empirical evidence
hypothesis
a specific, testable statement that predicts a relationship between variables or an expected outcome in a study
correlational research
a non-experimental study design to asses a connection between variables, but not necessarily a cause-and-effect relationship
experimental research
manipulating one variable and measuring the other to test direct causation
variable
any characteristic of a person or thing that can change or take on different values
independent variable (IV)
manipulated
dependent variable (DV)
measured
conceptual variable
an abstract idea or construct that a researcher wants to study, but cannot directly measure
operational definition
a precise description of how a theoretical concept or variable will be measured or observed in a study
participant variable
ex: age, gender, intelligence, personality traits, or socioeconomic status
within-subjects designs
all participants take part in all conditions of the experiment
between-subjects designs
randomly allocating participants to different conditions
debrief
the process of informing participants about the true purpose, procedures, and any deceptions used in a study after they have completed their participation
institutional review board
a committee within a research institution responsible for approving research proposals involving human participants, ensuring the ethical treatment of subjects, and guaranteeing informed consent
informed consent
the process of a participant voluntarily agreeing to take part in a study after being fully informed about its purpose, procedures, and potential risks
deception
the act of intentionally misleading participants about the true purpose, procedures, or nature of a study by providing false information or withholding crucial details
ethics
a set of moral principles that guide psychologists in conducting research
confidentiality
the ethical obligation of a researcher to protect the privacy of a participant
