Research Methods

Question 0

What is a dependent variable

Answer 0

A variable whose value depends on that of an other (the IV).

Question 1

What is an independent variable?

Answer 1

A variable whose variation does not depend on that of an other

Question 2

What is objective data?

Answer 2

It is free of bias (usually), and measured as a statistic (eg: a percentage %)

Question 3

What is subjective data?

Answer 3

Possible of bias and are usually descriptive results

Question 4

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 4

A prediction that a certain outcome will result from specific conditions.

Question 5

Definition of population:

Answer 5

The entire set of individuals to which generalisations will be based on an experimental sample.

Question 6

Quantitative definition:

Answer 6

Usually a number of amount (factual information; Eg: 100ml of coffee)

Question 7

Qualitative definition:

Answer 7

Descriptive verbal / image, personal. (Biased; Eg: “the coffee was dark and creamy”).

Question 8

Definition of longitudinal:

Answer 8

A study done over time (a long period).

Question 9

Correlational research:

Answer 9

A relationship between two variables, figuring out which variables are connected.

Question 10

Descriptive research:

Answer 10

Used to describe characteristics of a population of phenomenon being studied.

Question 11

Experimental research:

Answer 11

A type of evaluation that seeks to determine whether a program or invention had the intended casual effect on participants.

Question 12

Define extraneous variables:

Answer 12

Undesirable variables which often influence the relationship between the variables the experimenter is testing.

Question 13

What is convenience sampling?

Answer 13

Selecting participants based on the researchers accessibility to them, or their availability

Question 14

What is random sampling?

Answer 14

Ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected

Question 15

What is stratified sampling?

Answer 15

Breaking the population into groups (strata), based on characteristics they share

Question 16

What is ethics?

Answer 16

Standards, morals, identifying good decisions and acceptable behaviour

Question 17

What is use of animals?

Answer 17

Ethology, 10% if studies use animals and can only use some species

Question 18

What is voluntary participation?

Answer 18

Participants are entering a study freely. No force, bribery or incentive (grades or money).

Question 19

What is confidentiality?

Answer 19

The right to privacy. Information cannot be disclosed without any content.

Question 20

What is Informed consent?

Answer 20

Under 18s; parents approved, must know their rights, risks and nature of the study.

Question 21

What is withdrawal rights?

Answer 21

Remove themselves/ results any time without any negative consequences or giving a reason why.

Question 22

What is deception?

Answer 22

Giving participants information about the study that may affect the accuracy of the results.

Question 23

What is debriefing?

Answer 23

Clarifying the knowledge of the study after it has been completed to each participant