Midterms Flashcards
A ________________ approaches aim to describe phenomena or explore correlations between variables.
Non-Experimental Research
The researcher observes subjects in their natural environments without intervening or influencing the situation.
OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH
Examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them to determine whether they are related.
CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
An in-depth examination of an individual, group, or event to explore rare or unique conditions.
CASE STUDIES
Studies that follow the same participants over an extended period to observe changes over time.
LONGITUDINAL RESEARCH
Studies that examine different groups of people at a single point in time, often to compare differences or trends across age groups or demographic categories.
CROSS-SECTIONAL RESEARCH
Observing subjects in their natural environment, with no interaction from the researcher.
Naturalistic Observation
The researcher becomes involved
in the group or activity being studied, sometimes even acting as a participant.
Participant Observation:
Both variables increase together
Positive Correlation
As one variable increases, the other
decreases
Negative Correlation
A psychological ________ of an individual with a rare mental health disorder like dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Case Study
Tracking cognitive decline in adults over a 20-year span to identify predictors of dementia.
Longitudinal Research
A study comparing the problem-solving abilities of teenagers, young adults, and older adults in a single testing session.
Cross-Sectional Research
A public opinion poll asking about current views on the upcoming election
CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEYS
A repeated observation among same participants over a long period of time
LONGITUDINAL SURVEYS
A survey assessing the average number of hours college students study each week.
DESCRIPTIVE SURVEYS
A survey exploring the relationship between physical activity levels and self-reported happiness.
ANALYTICAL SURVEYS
In a study investigating the
impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive
performance, researchers would actively
control participants’ sleep durations (e.g.,
4 hours vs. 8 hours).
Manipulation of Variables
Dividing participants into
control and experimental groups is essential. In
drug efficacy studies, for instance, the control
group receives a placebo, while the experimental
group receives the medication.
Control
Example: In a study on stress reduction,
randomization would ensure that people
with varying stress levels are equally
distributed across experimental
conditions.
Randomization
