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?”