Lecture 4 - Running Your Study

Question 1

Sample

Answer 1

The individuals selected for a study that tests a hypothesis that may apply to the larger populace.

Question 2

Population of Interest

Answer 2

Refers to the population which you are attempting to draw inferences about from data.

Question 3

Convenience Sample

Answer 3

A non-probability sampling of individuals on the basis of their accessibility.

Question 4

Demand Characteristics

Answer 4

Cues within a study that are intended to help participants fulfill their role in the experiment; may potentially alter the behavior of participants as a result of perceived expectations.

Question 5

Experimenter Bias

Answer 5

Behavior that prevents a fair test of the hypothesis; comes in the form of subtle cues, expectations, or preconceptions on the part of the experimenter.

Question 6

Pilot Study

Answer 6

Preliminary small-scale tests used to evaluate the efficacy of a research design; are helpful in minimizing risk, correcting errors and identifying unwelcome effects

Question 7

Blinding

Answer 7

A technique employed to ensure that those participating in an experiment are unaware of its outcomes; usually accomplished by keeping participants unaware of which group they are in.

Question 8

Double-Blind

Answer 8

A form of blinding in which both the participants and researchers are unaware as to which groups the participants have been allocated; it is comprised of both blind assignment and blind assessment.

Question 9

Practice Trials

Answer 9

Practice runs used to acclimate participants to the experimental environment and their task as a subject.

Question 10

Experimental/Test Trials

Answer 10

Experimental runs intended to be used for the collection and analysis of data.