Research Methods

Question 0

Critical thinking

Answer 0

Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions

Question 1

Hindsight Bias

Answer 1

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would’ve foreseen. AKA the I-knew- it - all- along phenomenon

Question 2

Theory

Answer 2

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Question 4

Operational Definition

Answer 4

A statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. For example, human intelligence may be operationally denied as what intelligence tests measure

Question 5

Replication

Answer 5

Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see wether the basic finding extents to other participants and circumstances

Question 6

Case study

Answer 6

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the revealing of the universal principles

Question 7

Survey

Answer 7

A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning representatives, random sample of the group

Question 8

Population

Answer 8

All the cases in the group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (Except for national studies, this does NOT refer to a countries whole population)

Question 9

Random sample

Answer 9

A sample that fairly represents a population because each number has an equal chance of inclusion

Question 10

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 10

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and/or control the situation

Question 11

Correlation

Answer 11

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other

Question 12

Correlation coefficient

Answer 12

A statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1 to 1)

Question 13

Scatter plot

Answer 13

A graphed cluster of dots, each which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the two points suggest the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation)

Question 14

Illusory Correlation

Answer 14

The perception of a relationship where none exists

Question 15

Experiment

Answer 15

Research method in which an investigator manipulates one of more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process ( the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors

Question 16

Random assignment

Answer 16

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the assignment to the different groups

Question 17

Debriefing

Answer 17

The post-experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants

Question 18

Informed consent

Answer 18

An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose wether they wish to participate

Question 19

Culture

Answer 19

The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions, shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next

Question 20

Statistical Significance

Answer 20

A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance

Question 21

Normal curve

Answer 21

(Normal distribution)
A symmetrical, bell shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (68% fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer at the extremes

Question 22

Standard Deviation

Answer 22

A computed measure of how many scores vary around the mean score

Question 23

Range

Answer 23

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution

Question 24

Median

Answer 24

The middles score in a distribution; half the scores are about it and half are below

Question 25

Mean

Answer 25

The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and diving by the total number of scores or data

Question 26

Dependent variable

Answer 26

The outcome factor; the variable that many change In response to the manipulations of the independent variable

Question 27

Confounding variable

Answer 27

A factor other than he independent variable that might produce and effect in an experiment

Question 28

Independent variable

Answer 28

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied

Question 29

Control group

Answer 29

In an experiment, the group that is NOT exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

Question 30

Experimental group

Answer 30

In an experiment, the group that IS exposed the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable

Question 31

Placebo effect

Answer 31

Latin for “I shall please”
Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition which the recipient assumes is an active agent

Question 32

Double-blind procedure

Answer 32

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug evaluating studies