Textbook Reading 1 Flashcards
conceptual variable
the characteristics that we are trying to measure
operational definition
the particular method that we use to measure a variable of interest
multiple per conceptual variable, varies based on goal of research and type of situation were in
behavioral measures
measures designed to directly assess what people do
self report measures
measures in which individuals are asked to respond to questions posed by an interviewer or on a questionnaire.
electroencephalography (EEG)
a technique that records the electrical activity produced by the brain’s neurons through the use of electrodes that are placed around the research participant’s head
EEG +/-
+ can be done while patients moving
+ tracks clear feeling and emotions through brain pattern
+ quick tracking in real time (researcher is able to see quickly)
+ can observe changes over fast periods of time
- provide general patterns of the brain) of large area of the brain) but cannot get specific
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) +/-
+ specific brain imaging
+ how which parts of the brain are associated with which types of task
+ non invasive
- expensive
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
a neuroimaging technique that uses a magnetic field to create images of brain structure and function
Pearson correlation coefficient (symbolized by the letter r)
normally used to summarize the association, or correlation, between two variables
correlational research
Goal: To assess the relationships between two or more variables
+ allows for prediction
ex. HS gpa is correlated to college gpa and therefore we are able to predict college gpa (future)
+ in real-world setting
- cannot be used to draw conclusions about the causal relationships among the variables that have been measured
Common-causal variables (3rd variable)
variables that are not part of the research hypothesis but that cause both the predictor and the outcome variable and thus produce the observed correlation between them
Experimental research
used to explore the causal relationships among variables, and for this we use experiments
Experimental research designs
research designs that include the manipulation of
a given situation or experience for two or more groups of individuals who are initially created to be equivalent, followed by a measurement of the effect of that experience.
independent variable
the situation that is created by the experimenter through the experimental manipulations
dependent variable
the variable that is measured after the manipulations have occurred
Experimental design
+ guarantee that the independent variable occurs prior to measuring the dependent variable - eliminates the possibility of reverse causation.
+ the experimental manipulation allows ruling out the possibility of common-causal variables that cause both the independent variable and the dependent variable
(how? its ruled out by creating equivalence in participants before they start)
- not real-world tested (may not transfer)
- some of the most interesting and important social variables cannot be experimentally manipulated (ie can’t manipulate mobs or cult membership)
random assignment to conditions
random process
internal validity
confidence with which we can draw conclusions about the causal relationship between the variables.
high = ensure independence before dependent, equal/same sample, change only nature of independent b/w conditions
field experiments
experiment in natural scenarios
Factorial research designs
experimental designs that have two or more independent variables
external validity
the extent to which relationships can be expected to hold up when they are tested again in different ways and for different people
meta-analysis
a statistical procedure in which the results of existing studies are combined to determine what conclusions can be drawn on the basis of all the studies considered together.
