Research Methods Flashcards
What is the theory of data cycle?
A theory leads a researcher to pose particular research questions, which in turn lead to an appropriate research design. In the context of the design, researchers formulate Hypotheses.
Researchers then collect and analyze data, which feeds back into then cycle either by supporting and strengthening the theory; or by being nonsupporting which leads to revision of the theory or improved research design
What is the cupboard theory of mother-infant attachment?
The theory that babies form an attachment to their mother because she is their source of food, meaning that the mother acquires a positive value for the baby. (it was d)
What is the contact comfort theory proposed by Harry Harlow (1958)
Harry proposed that the mother-baby attachment was not simply due to the mother feeding the baby, but that the mother also provided comfort. In order to test this he made two wire mothers (one out of wire that gave food, and one covered in a fuzzy cloth and heated, that gave no food). He found that the baby monkeys only spent time with the wire mothers when they were hungry and then went straight back to the cloth mother.
What is a theory?
A theory is a set of statements that describe the general principles about how variables relate to each other
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a prediction about what will happen based on a theory.
What is data?
Data is a set of observations that either support or challenge a theory.
What are good scientific theories?
Good scientific theories are:
- supported by data
- falsifiable
- have parsimony(Occam’s razor): meaning that the simplest solution is the best.
What is a conceptual variable?
A conceptual variable is an abstract concept such as shyness, intelligence or depression. These variables are hard to measure and as such need to be defined at a theoretical level (conceptual definitions) in order to become operational.
What are operational variables?
In order to test a hypothesis and gather data a researcher must first define their variables in such a way that they are able to measure them (e.g. using an IQ test for intelligence)
What is a frequency claim?
Frequency claims describe the rate or degree of a single variable. e.g. 1 in 25 US teens attempt suicide or 44% of Americans struggle to stay happy
What is an association claim?
An association claim that two variables may be associated(correlated) with each other. This means that when one variable changes so does the other. (N.B. This does NOT mean that one variable causes the other)
An association claim must contain two variables that are measured (not manipulated)
What is a causal claim?
Causal claims argue that one variable changes the other. They are often based on association claims that are then researched further. Causal claims must fulfill 3 criteria:
- it must establish that the two variables are related
- it must show that the causal variable came before the outcome variable
- there must be no other explanation for the relationship
What is a Positive association, negative association, and zero association?
Positive association: This means that when one variable rises so does the other (high goes with high and low goes with low)
Negative association: This means that when you raise one variable the other falls (high goes with low and low goes with high)
Zero association: This means that there is no association between the two variables
