Research Methods Flashcards
Key factors to keep in mind while researching:
Curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness.
The way of the Scientific Method:
Analyze data, develop a theory, generate a hypothesis, design research to test hypothesis, collect date. Repeat
Defined: Explanation for a large number of findings/facts. Organizes facts systematically, guides scientific research.
Scientific Theory
What are the three types of research?
Observational, correlational, experimental
Is X a cause of Y? Carefully and systematically observe and record behaviour usually without interfering. Can be done in laboratories or in a natural environment.
Observational Research
Two factors and how they relate. Range between +1.00 and -1.00, the closer the data is to either of these, the more relation they have to each other.
Correlational Research
Only method that allows for casual explanations. Control is important! Dependant and independent variables involved. Participants randomly assigned to groups.
Experimental Research.
Describe case Study observational research.
In depth study of a single person/event/family/organization. Bias inherent in process. No cause -and- effect.
Why are case studies not casual?
Because they do not indicate that one thing is a result.t of another. They just imply that two facts relate or do not relate to one another.
Definition: fact based framework that describes a phenomenon.
Theory
Definition: Testable explanation for something that is based on facts but has not yet been proved.
Hypothesis
Describe a control group
Participants randomly assigned to a group and have an equal chance of being assigned to a particular condition. Differences should be equally distributed between groups.
What are the 4 steps for ethical research?
- informed consent
- confidentiality
- Debriefing (full explanation given after study)
- Deception (ensures an unbiased, natural response)
