Research methods SAC Flashcards
independent variable
the variable that is manipulated in order to measure its effect on the dependent variable
dependent variable
the variable the researcher uses to observe and measure the effects of the independent variable (what is measured)
primary data
information collected directly from the source by the researchers for their own purpose
secondary data
information that was not collected directly by the current researcher but was collected at an earlier time by someone else
quantitative data
numerical information about the quantity of what is being studied
qualitative data
non-numerical information involving the “qualities” or characteristics of a participants experience of what is being studied
biased samples
A sample that does not represent the key characteristics of the population
representative samples
a sample that closely represents the population from which is drawn in key characteristics
controlled variables
a variable that is considered to have an effect on the dependent variable in an experiment so it needs to held constant to remove its potential effects
objective data
information that is observable, measurable, verifiable and and free from personal biased from the researcher
subjective data
information that is based on personal opinion, interpretation, point of view or judgement
external validity
the extent to which the results obtained for a study can be applied beyond the sample that generated them, specifically to individuals in a different setting or over time (good representation)
