Module 3- Research Strategies (Definitions) Flashcards

1
Q

Theory

A

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

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2
Q

Hypothesis

A

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

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3
Q

Operational Definition

A

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.”

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4
Q

Replication

A

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.

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5
Q

Case Study

A

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

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6
Q

Naturalistic Observation

A

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

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7
Q

Survey

A

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

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8
Q

Population

A

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.)

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9
Q

Random Sample

A

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

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10
Q

Correlation

A

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

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11
Q

Correlation Coefficient

A

A statistical index of the relationship between two things

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12
Q

Scatterplot

A

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)

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13
Q

Experiment

A

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.

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14
Q

Experimental Group

A

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

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15
Q

Control Group

A

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.

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16
Q

Random Assignment

A

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

17
Q

Double-Blind Procedure

A

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.

18
Q

Placebo Effect

A

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.

19
Q

Independent Variable

A

The experimental factor that is manipulated

the variable whose effect is being studied

20
Q

Confounding Variable

A

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

21
Q

Dependent Variable

A

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

22
Q

Mode

A

The most frequently occurring scores in a distribution

23
Q

Mean

A

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

24
Q

Median

A

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

25
Q

Range

A

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in distribution.

26
Q

Standard Deviation

A

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

27
Q

Normal Curve

A

(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.