Research Flashcards
Exploratory Research
the researcher is trying to understand a problem or behavior to know a phenomenon or inform action.
-Understand a phenomenon: Known as phenomenology, this is the exploration of a phenomenon based on the viewpoint of those who have experienced the event.
-Inform action: The researcher would set or select a theory and gather evidence that supports that theory to guide policy or to influence decision making.
Descriptive Research
Descriptive research in psychology is concerned with a measurement or observation of ‘what is’ in a specific place, time, and people. It is a non-invasive approach because there is no manipulation on the part of the researcher. The three common types of descriptive research designs in psychology are observation, case studies and surveys.
Causal Research
conducted to analyze something specific that requires a form of measurement or understanding. Analyze the relationship between variables (correlational study), Explain changes, or test a theory.
Correlational Designs
Correlational designs provide a measurement of the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables. It provides a numerical value between 1 and -1 indicating a positive relationship when one variable increases along with the other, such as weight and height. Or is shows a negative correlation where one increases as the other decreases such as outside temperature and heating bills
Quasi-experimental design
A true experiment in all respects except random assignment. Because of the nature of the groups being investigated, random assignment to the control or experimental group is not possible. One example would be a comparison of the tall versus short people on a motor coordination test. This would have to be a quasi-experimental design. Physical height is the independent variable, motor coordination is the dependent variable. Height cannot be randomly assigned.
Experimental Designs
True experimental designs are interested in a causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables where subjects are randomly assigned to the control or experimental group. This design is often conducted in a laboratory setting where confounding variables can be controlled.
Identifying Basic Research
Any research involving an evaluation, a process, or a description is probably basic research. This type of research only gives insight, not a direct application to a problem.
Applied Research
Applied research is research conducted to provide a solution to an established problem, issue, or concern. This form of research includes solution-oriented questioning for a particular event, experience, or circumstance. Therefore, it is frequently referred to as “conceptual research.” Applied research is conducted in a real-life setting, allowing dependent and independent variables to interact with each other freely.
Action Research
Also called participatory research because the workers testing the solution are also participating in it. Steps:
-Diagnosing: Group members who are affected by the issue discuss the particulars and define the problem.
-Action planning: Alternative paths of action are identified and outlined.
-Taking action
-Evaluating
-Specifying learning: Group members reveal how the experience of the chosen path of action can help future issues within the organization.
Principles of Action Research
reflexive critique, dialectical critique, collaborative research, risk, plural structure and theory, practice, and transformation.
Outcomes-Based Research
assesses the treatment outcomes’ clinical, economic, and personal aspects. By detailing patient outcomes, researchers make it easier for doctors to identify the optimal treatment approach for any given individual.
Three Types of Outcomes-Based Research
Economical, Clinical, and Humanistic
The Thurston Scale
It measures attitudes by having people check off which statements they agree with and then computing a mean, or average, score.
Bogardus Social Distance Scale
This measures how willing people are to include people different from themselves in their social circle. The closest social distance would be allowing someone into one’s family, which implies that there is no social distance. On the opposite end of the spectrum is excluding someone from one’s country, which implies a very large social distance.
Semantic Differential Scale
Another common scale used in psychology asks participants to read two antonyms and to mark where on the scale between the two the person lies.
