Module 3- Research Strategies (Definitions)

Question 1

Theory

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Question 3

Operational Definition

Answer 3

A statement of the procedure (operations) used to define research variables.
For example: Human intelligence may be operationally defines as “what an intelligence test measures.”

Question 4

Replication

Answer 4

Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.

Question 5

Case Study

Answer 5

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Question 6

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 6

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Question 7

Survey

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Population

Answer 8

All the cases 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 9

Random Sample

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Correlation

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Correlation Coefficient

Answer 11

A statistical index of the relationship between two things

Question 12

Scatterplot

Answer 12

A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation)

Question 13

Experiment

Answer 13

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 14

Experimental Group

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Control Group

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Random Assignment

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Double-Blind Procedure

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Placebo Effect

Answer 18

Latin for “I shall please”
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 19

Independent Variable

Answer 19

The experimental factor that is manipulated

the variable whose effect is being studied

Question 20

Confounding Variable

Answer 20

A factor other than the independent variable that might prodce an effect in an experiment

Question 21

Dependent Variable

Answer 21

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable

Question 22

Mode

Answer 22

The most frequently occurring scores in a distribution

Question 23

Mean

Answer 23

The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores

Question 24

Median

Answer 24

The middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it

Question 25

Range

Answer 25

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in distribution.

Question 26

Standard Deviation

Answer 26

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score

Question 27

Normal Curve

Answer 27

(normal distribution) a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data
most scores fall near the mean (about 68 percent fall within on standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes.