Planning and Conducting Experimental Research

Question 1

When a characteristic is restricted to a single state or condition, it is called a _________________ (e.g., gender, if only male subjects are included in a study).

Answer 1

Constant.

Question 2

The _________________ variable is often referred to as the treatment or intervention, and is symbolized with the letter X.

Answer 2

Independent.

Question 3

The __________________ variable is considered the outcome of the treatment; it is measured by pretests and posttests and is symbolizd with the letter Y.

Answer 3

Dependent.

Question 4

A __________________ variable is responsible for the observed relationship between the variables. The independent variable affects this variable which, in turn, affects the dependent variable.

Answer 4

Mediator.

Question 5

A _____________________ variable affects the direction or strength of the relationship between independent and dependent variable.

Answer 5

Moderator.

Question 6

______________ analysis, which involves organizing data into categories, can be used to summarize and interpret information contained in a narrative record.

Answer 6

Content analysis.

Question 7

__________________ analysis involves asking a subject to “think aloud” while solving a problem. This is then transcribed, and coded in terms of relevant categories such as intentions, planning, and evaluations.

Answer 7

Protocol.

Question 8

Behavioral Sampling: __________________ involves observing a behavior for a period of time that has been divided into equal intervals, and recording whether or not the Bx has occurred during each interval. _____________________ entails observing and recording the behavior each time it occurs.

Answer 8

• Interval recording
• Event sampling

Question 9

__________________ sampling is used when a goal of the study is to observe a behavior in a number of settings; it helps increase the generalizability of the study’s findings.

Answer 9

Situational Sampling.

Question 10

______________________ entails coding behavioral sequences rather than isolated behavioral events; it’s used to identify patterns in complex social behaviors.

Answer 10

Sequential analysis.

Question 11

_____________ experimental research provides the amount of control necessary to conclude that observed variability in a dependent variable is caused by variability in an independent variable.

Answer 11

True.

Question 12

The _________________ of subjects to groups is the key feature of true experimental research, and helps ensure that any observed differences between groups on the DV are due to the effects of the IV.

Answer 12

Random assignment.

Question 13

____________ experimental research provides less control than its counterpart; researchers must use intact (pre-existing) groups or a single group.

Answer 13

Quasi-.

Question 14

___________________ is usually used in quantitative research to ensure that the sample is representative of the population.

Answer 14

Probability sampling.

Question 15

Probability Sampling - _____________________ Sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being included i nthe sample, and the selection of one member from the population has no effect on the selection of another member.

Answer 15

Simple Random Sampling.

Question 16

Probability Sampling - _____________________: When the population of interest varies in terms of specific strata (characteristics) that are relevant to the research hypothesis, an investigator can use this to ensure that each stratum is represented in the sample.

Answer 16

Stratified Random Sampling.

Question 17

Probability Sampling - ____________________: Entails using simple or stratified random sampling to select units (clusters) of individuals rather than individuals and either including all individuals in the selected units of the study or randomly selecting individuals from each unit (called __________________________).

Answer 17

• Cluster Sampling
• Multistage Cluster Sampling