research design fundamentals part 2 Flashcards
Confounding variables
when constructs we want to define introduces another variables
Correlation coefficient
the closer a variable is to 1 the stronger it is
Curvilinear relationship
increase in one variable and increases and decreases in the other
curvilinear relationship example
the more you listen to a song you like it, but the more u listen u get tired of it and dislike it
Dependent variable
the variable that is being measured in a study
Experimental control
when you treat participants the same in a study, so only dif is independent variable
Experimental method
- can establish temporal precedence
- can establish covariation
-can eliminate most alt explanations
Field experiment
when you use traditional lab methods in real world settings
Independent variable
the variable that is being manipulated
Internal validity
an experiment that meets all 3 criteria for cause and effect
Mediating variable
the way in which an independent variable impacts a dependent variable
Negative linear relationship
one goes up other goes down
negative linear relationship example
more consumption of alcohol leads to lower academic performance
Non-experimental method
an experiment does not manipulate dependent variable
non experimental method example
Is there a relationship between number of music lessons taken in childhood and the score on an intelligence test in early adulthood?
Operational definition
-explaining to reader, method and instruments used to collect data
-important bc gives clarity, reduce subjectivity, ambiguity, and allows scientific community to replicate
Participant variable
any characteristic of participant’s background (personality, etc) that could influence results of study
Positive linear relationship
one increases and the other increases
positive linear relationship example
the more hours of sleep you get, the better your academic performance
Random assignment
participants randomly assigned to variables so equal chance of being in conditions
Response variable
a response or behaviour you engage in
Situational variable
factors of external environment that can influence situation’s outcome
Third-variable problem
when correlation between 2 variables can be explained by a third variable
third variable problem example
-ex. Increase in alcohol cause decrease in academic performance
-poor decision making cause increase in weekly alcohol causes decrease in academic perfomance
Variable
quantity or quality that differs across people and circumstances
confounding variable example
Increase in alcohol cause decrease in academic performance
-ex maybe not weekly alcohol consumption but time spent socializing that decreases academic performance
