Research Methods Flashcards
The tendency to believe after learning an outcome that one would have foreseen it
Hindsight bias
Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions
Critical thinking
A testable prediction often implied by theory
Hypothesis
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events
Theory
A statement of procedures used to define research variables
Operational definition
Repeating the essence of a research study usually with different participants in different situations to see whether the basic finding’s extends to other participants and circumstances
Replication
An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
Case study
A technique for a certain the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group usually by questioning a representative
Survey
All the cases in a group being studied from which samples may be drawn
Population
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
Random sample
Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
Naturalistic observation
A measure of extent to which two factors very together and thus of how well either factor predicts the other
Correlation
A statistical index of the relationship between two things
Correlation coefficient
A graft cluster of dots each of which represents the value of two variables
Scatter plot
The perception of a relationship where none exists
Illusory Correlation
A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process
Experiment
Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing pre-existing differences between those assigned to different groups
Random assignment
An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are blind about whether the research participants have received the treatment or the placebo
Double-blind procedure
Experimental results caused by an expectation alone; any affect on behavior caused by the administration of been entered substance or condition which the recipient assumes is an active agent
Placebo effect
In an experiment the group that is exposed to the treatment
Experimental group
In an experiment the group that is not exposed to the treatment
Control group
The experimental factor that is manipulated; The variable whose effect is being studied
Independent variable
It factor other than the independent variable that might produce an Effect in an experiment
Cofounding variable
The outcome factor; The variable that may change in response to the manipulations of the independent variable
Dependent variable
