Research Methods Flashcards
Hypothesis
A testable prediction implied by theory
-states the relationship between two or more variables
Variable
An event, characteristic, condition, or behaviour
Case studies
A detailed examination on the development of individuals or groups over a period of time
Naturalistic observation
Recording the natural behaviour of individuals without manipulating or controlling the situation
Surveys and interviews
Asking opinion based questions to obtain self-reported attitudes or behaviour of a particular group
Random Sampling
Randomly choosing represents from a population
-equal probability of being selected
Theory
An explanation of thoughts, behavioural, and emotional patterns
Operational definition
A statement of the procedures/operations used in a research study
Replication
Repeating the essence of a research study
-different participants in different situations
Purpose of replication
To see if the basic findings can be reproduced
Scientific method
Foundation of all science that combines collecting data, formulating hypotheses, and stating conclusions
Correlation
A measure to which two factors vary together
-how well one factor predicts another
Experimental group
The group that is exposed to the treatment to test hypotheses
Control group
Participants who do not receive the experimental treatment
-serves as a comparison for evaluation
Independent variable
Factors that change the outcome variable (manipulation)
