Research Methods Flashcards
Reinforcement
In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behaviour it follows.
Variables
Used in experiments to determine if changes to one thing results in changes to another. It is something that can be varied or changes, such as a characteristic or value.
Control group
In an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.
Dependent variable
The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.
Experimental group
In an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.
Independent variable
The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.
Hindsight bias
The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. ( also known as the I-Knew-it-all-along phenomenon.)
Critical thinking
Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, access the source, discerns hidden values, evaluated evidence, and assesses conclusions.
Theory
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviours or events.
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.
Operational definition
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures.
Case study
A descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.
Replication
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.
Naturalistic observation
Observing and recording behaviour in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.
Survey
A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviours of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.
Mean
The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.
Skewed distribution
A representation of scores that lack symmetry around their average value.
Standard deviation
A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.
Inferential statistics
Numerical data that allow one to generalize- to infer from sample data the probability of something being true of a population.
Culture
The enduring behaviours, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.
Debriefing
The post experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.
Norm group
The sample of test-takers who are representative of the population for whom the test is intended.
Sample bias
A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample.
Population
All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.
Random sample
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which two variables change together, and thus of how well either variable predicts the other.
Correlation coefficient
A statistical index of the relationship between two variables (from -1 to +1).
Scatterplot
A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).
Illusory correlation
The perception of a relationship where none exists.
Experiment
A research method in which an investigator manipulated one or more factors (independent variable) to observe the factor on some behaviour or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experiment aims to control other relevant variables.
Confounding variable
A factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.
Random assignment
Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.
Double blind procedure
An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and 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 a drug-evaluation studies.
Placebo
Effect experimental results caused the expectations alone; any effect on behaviour results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behaviour caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumed is an active agent.
Validity
The extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to.
Descriptive statistics mode
Numerical data used to measure and describe characteristics of groups. Includes measures of central tendency and measures of variation.
Range
The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.
Normal curve
(Normal distribution) a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes that distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (about 68 percent fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes.
Statistical significance
A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.
Informed consent
An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.
