Module 2: Research Strategies

Question 1

Hindsight Bias

Answer 1

the tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (Also known as the I- knew-it-all-along phenomenon.)

Question 2

Theory

Answer 2

an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

a testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Question 4

Operational Definition

Answer 4

a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures.

Question 5

Replication

Answer 5

repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced.

Question 6

Meta-Analysis

Answer 6

a statistical procedure for analyzing the results of multiple studies to reach an overall conclusion.

Question 7

Case Study

Answer 7

a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Question 8

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 8

a descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Question 9

Survey

Answer 9

a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.

Question 10

Random Sample

Answer 10

a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Question 11

Population

Answer 11

all those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (Note: Except for national studies, this does not refer to a country’s whole population.)

Question 12

Correlation

Answer 12

a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.

Question 13

Correlation Coefficient

Answer 13

a statistical index of the relationship between two things (from −1.00 to +1.00).

Question 14

Experiment

Answer 14

a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.

Question 15

Experimental Group

Answer 15

in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.

Question 16

Control Group

Answer 16

in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

Question 17

Random Assignment

Answer 17

assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.

Question 18

Double-Blind Procedure

Answer 18

an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.

Question 19

Placebo Effect

Answer 19

experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

Question 20

Independent Variable

Answer 20

in an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Question 21

Confounding Variable

Answer 21

in an experiment, a factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s results.

Question 22

Dependent Variable

Answer 22

in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.

Question 23

Informed Consent

Answer 23

giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.

Question 24

Debriefing

Answer 24

the postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.

Question 25

Testing Effect

Answer 25

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning.

Question 26

SQ3R

Answer 26

a study method incorporating five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, Review.

Question 27

Representative Sample

Answer 27

a sample that accurately reflects the larger population.