Skill Terms 1st Half

Question 1

Experimental methodologies

Answer 1

involves the use of independent variable(s) and random assignment to groups

Question 2

Non-experimental methodologies

Answer 2

includes case study, correlation, meta-analysis, and naturalistic observations

Question 3

case study

Answer 3

a non-experimental technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

Question 4

correlation

Answer 4

a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other

Question 5

meta-analysis

Answer 5

a statistical procedure for analyzing the results of multiple studies to reach an overall conclusion

Question 6

naturalistic observation

Answer 6

a non-experimental technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Question 7

hypothesis

Answer 7

a testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Question 8

operational definitions

Answer 8

a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a research study

Question 9

replication

Answer 9

repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced

Question 10

independent variable(s)

Answer 10

in an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable that is being studied

Question 11

dependent variable(s)

Answer 11

in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated

Question 12

confounding variable(s)

Answer 12

in an experiment, a factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s results

Question 13

sample

Answer 13

a subset of a population of interest that is selected for study with the aim of making inferences to the population. It is important to ensure that a sample is representative of the larger population

Question 14

population

Answer 14

all those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn

Question 15

representative sample

Answer 15

the selection of study units (e.g., participants, homes, schools) from a larger group (population) in an unbiased way, such that the sample obtained accurately reflects the total population

Question 16

random sampling

Answer 16

a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

Question 17

convenience sampling

Answer 17

any process for selecting a sample of individuals or cases that is neither random nor systematic but rather is governed by chance or ready availability

Question 18

sampling bias

Answer 18

a flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample

Question 19

generalization

Answer 19

the process of deriving a concept, judgment, principle, or theory from a limited number of specific cases and applying it more widely, often to an entire class of objects, events, or people

Question 20

experimental group

Answer 20

in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable

Question 21

control group

Answer 21

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

Question 22

placebo

Answer 22

results caused by expectations alone

Question 23

single blind procedure

Answer 23

an experimental procedure in which the research participants are ignorant about whether they have received the treatment or a placebo

Question 24

double blind procedures

Answer 24

an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo

Question 25

confounding variables

Answer 25

in an experiment, a factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s results

Question 26

qualitative measures

Answer 26

a research method that relies on in-depth, narrative data that are not translated into numbers

Question 27

quantitative measures

Answer 27

a research method that relies on quantifiable, numerical data