Research Methods Flashcards
What do you mean by scientific method?
A process of posing and answering questions using careful, controlled techniques that include systematic observation and collection of data
What are three steps involved in any scientific method?
- Identifying the question of interest.
- Formulating an explanation
- Carrying out research that either supports or refutes the explanation.
What are theories?
Theories are broad explanations and predictions about phenomena of interest created by researchers
What is a hypothesis?
A prediction stated in a way that allowes it to be tested
What is correlational research?
Research that is used to identify whether an association or relationship between two factors exists.
What is experimental research?
Research designed to discover causal relationships between various factors by deliberately introducing a change in a carefully structured situation in order to observe the consequences of that change.
What do you mean by correlational coefficient?
The strength and direction of a relationship between two factors is represented by a mathematical score called a correlational coefficient that ranges from +1.0 to -1.0.
What do you mean by naturalistic observation?
A type of correlational study in which a naturally occurring behavior is observed without intervention in the situation
What is ethnography?
A research method borrowed from anthropology where researchers practice participant observation. They live among particular groups for long periods of time as if belonging to the group to study them in a more naturalistic manner.
What is qualitative research?
In qualitative research, researchers choose particular settings of interest and carefully describe, in narrative fashion what is occurring and why. It can be used to generate hypotheses that can later be tested using more objective methods.
what are case studies and survey research?
Case study is a study that involves in-depth interviews with a person or a small group of people.
Survey research is a type of study where a number of people are chosen to represent a larger group of people and are asked questions about attitudes or beh.
Name different types of correlational study methods.
case studies
surveys
ethnographic studies
naturalistic observation.
What are psychophysiological research methods?
A study that understands the relationship between physiology and behavior.
What are the different types of psychophysiological method?
Electroencephalogram (EEG)- Reports brain activity with the help of electrodes places on the scalp. Brain activity is transformed into a pictorial representation of wave patterns that helps diagnoses of disorders like epilepsy and LDs
Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan- An image constructed by the computer by combining thousands of X-Rays taken at slightly varied angles. Doesn’t show brain activity but illuminates brain structure.
Functional Magnetic Resonance imaging (fMRI)- Detailed, 3D Imaging of the brain by aiming a powerful magnetic field at the brain. used to study brain functioning in extreme detail.
What is an experiment?
A process in which an investigator called the experimenter creates two different experiences for the participants and studies and compares the outcomes.
