Research Methods Flashcards
What are the 3 different types of variables in scientific research?
- Independent variable
- Dependent variable
- Confounding/control variable
In science, what is a variable?
A factor or condition that can be changed or controlled, used to see relationship with other variables
What are the 7 steps in the Scientific Method?
- Theory
- Hypothesis
- Design Study/Experiment
- Run Test/Record Observation
- Analyze Data
- Draw Conclusion
- Communicate Results
What is a theory?
A set of principles that explain, organize, and help predict behaviour or events
What is a hypothesis?
A specific, testable prediction formed from theory
What are some techniques used to collect data in an experiment?
- Direct observation
- Questionnaires/surveys
- Interviews
- Psychological tests
- Examining archival data
What are the 3 measures of central tendency?
- Mean - average of all numbers
- Median - middle number in a set when data is arranged in numerical order
- Mode - most common number that appears
When plotted on a graph, what does normal distribution look like and what is special about it?
A bell curve, where the 3 measures of central tendency are equal
In a normal distribution, about what percent does the empirical rule state that the results are within 1 SD of the mean? 2 SD? 3 SD?
- 68%
- 95%
- 99.7%
In statistics, what is range?
The difference between the lowest and highest scores in a dataset
What type of statistics allow us to determine if we can generalize findings from a sample to a whole population?
Inferential statistics (think inference)
What is the definition of probability?
The measurement of the likelihood of an event happening
What is the “P-Value” (probability value) and how does it help the researcher?
The indicator of how likely a result occurred purely by chance, helps the researcher determine the statistical significance of the results
What is statistical significance?
Quantifies if a result is likely due to chance or to the independent variable (IV)
To what P-value does the researcher set to determine if a result is statistically significant?
P = 0.05, or 5% or less of the time
What is a statistically significant result?
A small probability of a result of happening purely by chance
What does practical significance mean?
Real-world importance
What is a null hypothesis and what is an alternative hypothesis?
Null hypothesis - no relationship between two variables
Alternative hypothesis - rejection of null hypothesis
How might a researcher/research team disseminate/distribute their findings?
Through conference presentations, publications, etc.
How does the scientific method function in a “loop”?
The communicated results after an experiment are created into theories for another experiment to take from
What are the 3 different types/designs/categories of studies that researchers use?
- Descriptive
- Correlational
- Experimental
What does descriptive research do to collect data?
Describes and measures behaviours, traits, and/or attributions
What are some advantages and disadvantages of descriptive studies?
Advantages: Not as intrusive or personal compared to other studies, and can be easy to administer.
Disadvantages: Not very in-depth and limited data collected
What are some examples of descriptive studies?
Case studies and surveys
How are correlational studies used to collect data?
They investigate the connection/association between 2 or more variables
Correlations may be positive, zero, or negative. What do these relations mean?
Positive correlation - two variables are related in the same direction (e.g., more outgoing students have more friends)
Zero correlation - variables are not related (e.g., mathematical ability does not affect singing ability)
Negative correlation - two variables are related in the opposite direction (e.g., more socially anxious people are less attractive)
What does the term “Correlation vs. Causation” mean?
Even if two things are related, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one causes the other
What type of graph can best determine the correlation between 2 variables and which attribute determines the direction of correlation?
A scatter plot graph - the line of best fit determines the direction of correlation
What do researchers do to collect data in experimental studies?
They manipulate the independent variable to determine its impact on the results (DV)
In experimental studies, what is the process of randomization?
Randomizing the participants of a study to groups - some in an experimental group vs. a control group
What is the difference between reliability and validity?
Reliability - refers to the consistency of a measure
Validity - the extent to which a measure assess what it claims to measure - “truth in advertising”
What are unwanted factors in an experiment called? What are some examples of them?
Confounding variables
E.g., participant and researcher expectations, characteristics of the participant or situation
Define what generalization means in studies.
The extent to which a study’s findings can be applied to the general target population from a sample studied
What is the name of the modern ethics board for humans? What about for animals?
Research Ethics Board (REB), Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)
What are the 6 Ethical Principles that need to be followed when carrying out a research study?
- Respect for Human Dignity
- Respect for Free and Informed Consent
- Respect for Vulnerable Persons
- Respect for Privacy and Confidentiality
- Balancing Harms and Benefits
- Minimizing Harms
If deception is used in a research study, what are 2 things researchers must do?
- No harm can be done to the participant
- A debriefing must be done
