Research Methods

Question 0

Experiment

Answer 0

A controlled research study in which a researcher tests whether one variable(s) influences or causes a change to another variable(s)

Question 1

Research methods

Answer 1

A particular way of conducting a research study or investigation to collect data

Question 2

Variable

Answer 2

Something that can vary in amount or kind

Question 3

Independent variable

Answer 3

The variable in an experiment which the researcher manipulates in order to assess its effects on participants’ responses

Question 4

Dependent variable

Answer 4

The variable in an experiment the researcher choose to measure in order to assess the effect(s) of the independent variable(s)

Question 5

Extraneous variable

Answer 5

Any variable, apart from the independent variable that can cause a change in the dependent variable and therefore affect the results of an experiment in an unwanted way

Question 6

Experimental group

Answer 6

The group in and experiment who is exposed to the independent variable

Question 7

Control group

Answer 7

The group in an experiment who is not exposed to the independent variable; used for comparison with the experimental group

Question 8

Sampling

Answer 8

The process of choosing participants for a study

Question 9

Population

Answer 9

The entire group of research interest from which a sample is drawn

Question 10

Sample

Answer 10

A smaller group of research participants selected from a larger group (population) of research interest

Question 11

Representative sample

Answer 11

A sample that is approximately the same as the population from which it was drawn in every important participant characteristic

Question 12

Random sample

Answer 12

A group of participants selected for research in a way that ensures every member of the population of research interest has an equal chance of being selected in the sample

Question 13

Stratified sampling

Answer 13

A sampling procedure which involves dividing the population to be sampled into difference subgroups (strata), then selecting a separate sample from each subgroup in the same proportions as they occur in the population of interest

Question 14

Random allocation

Answer 14

The process of assigning participants in an experiment to the control or experimental group, with each participant having an equal chance of being in either group

Question 15

Hypothesis

Answer 15

A testable prediction of the relationship between two or more events of characteristics

Question 16

Descriptive research

Answer 16

A research method that focuses on studying and describing one or more aspects of thoughts, feelings or behaviour as they occur at a given time and place without necessarily explaining causation

Question 17

Case study

Answer 17

An intensive, in-depth investigation of some behaviour of event of interest in a particular individual or small group

Question 18

Observational study

Answer 18

A research method that involves watching and describing behaviour as it occurs