Research Basics Flashcards
What is Tenacity?
Information is accepted because it has always been believed to
be true. Based on habit, and superstition but we have not systematically evaluated our beliefs.
What is Intuition?
Information is accepted based on a hunch or feeling or instinct that something is correct. Partly based on subtle cues we perceive subconsciously. Intuition may indicate expertise.
What is Authority? And its problems?
Information accepted because it was stated by an expert or
respected source
* Accepting something to be true, without detailed vetting
* Accepting authority because of complete trust in an authority figure.
Problems
* It is not always accurate
* Bias, subjective, personal opinions
* Generalization of experts’ knowledge
What is Rationalism? Its problems?
Information is accepted based on the use of reasoning or logic
* Draw a conclusion based on logical reasoning/valuable if the premise is absolutely true.
Problems:
* Assumes that all premise arguments are true
* Any inaccuracies will lead to false conclusions
What is Empirism? Problem?
Information accepted by direct observation of the world around
you
* Information accepted by personal experience
* Knowledge is based on the collection of data.
Problem
* Variables are not operationally defined?
* Misinterpret what we see
Scientific Method Research steps:
- Identify a research area
- Formulate a hypothesis and prediction
- Determine how to define and measure variables
- Identify subjects for the study
- Select a research strategy
- Select a research design
- Conduct the study
- Evaluate data
- Report results
10.Refine research idea
What is applied research?
Research directly aimed at solving problems.
What is basic research?
Research that answers theoretical questions.
What should a Hypothesis consist of?
1) Statement describing the relationship between variables.
2) Logical – based on knowledge from literature
3) Testable – variables, events, and subjects can be observed and
defined
4) Directional – predict the direction of the relationship
5) Specific – prediction is focused
6) Refutable – an opportunity for results to contradict the hypothesis.
What is prediction?
Predict a small set of possible outcomes based on your observations or from the hypothesis by deductive reasoning.
Types of variables?
Independent, dependent, control, manipulated.
What is an independent variable?
Manipulated variable
* Determined by the experimental design/researcher
* Known in advance
* Determined by the treatment conditions
What is a dependent variable?
Responding variable
* Measured in each of the treatment conditions
* Determined during the course of the experiment
What axis are the variables on?
x-axis: independent
y-axis: dependent
What is validity?
You are measuring what you claim to measure
What is accuracy?
The degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or specification conforms to the correct value or a standard.
What is reliability?
Measurements are consistent and produce nearly identical results
when used repeatedly
* Relates to replicability
What is a factor?
- Differentiates between a set of groups being compared in an experiment
- Independent variables of an experiment
What is a condition?
“How is the group treated in an experiment?”
What is a level?
Different values of the independent variable are selected to create the treatment condition
What are the characteristics of a variable?
- Observable
- Replicable
In order for the above to be true, must be specific and unambiguous - Must have at least 2 levels/values
What are Operational definitions?
Converts an abstract construct into a concrete variable that can
be directly observed and measured
What are Situational variables?
- Describes characteristics of a situation or environment (What aspect of the environment changes for the subjects)
What are Response variables?
Responses or behaviors of subjects/
participants
* Typically the variable you measure after manipulating the situational variable
What are Participant variables?
Differences between individuals
* Constant within individuals, variable between individuals
What are Mediating variables?
Help explain how and why a relationship exists between two other variables
* Independent variable causes a mediating variable that then causes a dependent variable
What is a qualitative variable?
Described in words.
What is a quantitative variable?
Described in numbers.
What is a discrete variable?
Measured in categories and Obtained by counting
What is a Continuous variable?
Measured on a continuum, Whole unit or fraction, Obtained by measuring (only quantitative)
What is nominal scale?
Qualitative differences in levels of a variable
* Used for categorization
(only discrete)
What is an ordinal scale?
Statistical data type where variables are in order or rank but without a degree of difference between categories
(only discrete quantitative)
What is an Interval scale?
Similar to the ordinal scale, but intervals between adjacent values
are constant (only continuous)
What is a Ratio scale?
Similar to the interval scale but has a zero
(only continuous)
What is a control variable?
Control variable = potential independent variables that are held
constant during an experiment.
What is a Confounding variable?
A confounder is a variable that influences both the dependent variable and independent variable
What are the sources of error?
Experimenter
* Environmental
* Participant
* Instrument
Experimenter Error?
- Ensure the experimenter behaves similarly with each subject.
Environmental error?
Choose the best conditions for testing.
Participant error?
Inclusion/exclusion criteria decided before starting the study.
Instrument error?
Error of a measuring instrument.
Using the same instruments, calibration, etc.
What is face validity?
Measurement appears to measure what you claim
to measure; based on subjective judgement.
What is Concurrent validity?
Scores obtained using a new measure correlates with a previously established measure of the same construct.
What is Predictive validity?
Scores from a new measure accurately predict future behavior.
What is Convergent validity?
Two measurements produce strongly related scores and converge on the same construct.
What is Divergent validity?
The same method is used to measure two different constructs to discriminate between the constructs.
What is Test-Retest Reliability?
Determine the correlation between scores from measurements taken at two-time points.
What is Inter-Rater reliability?
Determine the correlation between scores from two independent scorers.
