Unit 2 Research Methods

Question 1

Hindsight Bias

Answer 1

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have known that.

Question 2

Critical Thinking

Answer 2

Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.

Question 3

Scientific Method

Answer 3

When you come up w a theory and then test it to see if it works. If it doesn’t then you adjust the theory and try again.

Question 4

Operational Definition

Answer 4

It describes exactly what the variables are and how they are measured within the context of your study.

Question 5

Replication

Answer 5

Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with diff participants in diff situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.

Question 6

Descriptive methods

Answer 6

Case study, survey, and naturalistic observation

Question 7

Correlational methods

Answer 7

Scatter plots, causation, and perceiving order in random events

Question 8

Experimental methods

Answer 8

Random assignment, using control groups, and observing cause and effect with independent and dependent variables.

Question 9

Case study

Answer 9

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Question 10

Survey

Answer 10

A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.

Question 11

Random sampling in surveys

Answer 11

With random sampling, the survey would go out to random people in an entire group, so that every person in the group has an equal chance participating. Therefore, there will be many different representatives.

Question 12

Population

Answer 12

All the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.

Question 13

Random Sample

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Naturalistic observations

Answer 14

They are observations of behavior in somethings natural environment.

Question 15

Correlation

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Correlation coefficient

Answer 16

A statistical index of the relationship between two things.

Question 17

Scatterplots

Answer 17

They are graphs of clustered dots, each of which represent the values of two variables.

Question 18

What is a positive correlation?

Answer 18

A positive correlation happens if two sets of scores rise or fall together.

Question 19

What is a negative correlation?

Answer 19

A negative correlation happens if two sets of scores relate inversely so as one goes up the other goes down.

Question 20

Illusory correlation

Answer 20

It is the perception of a relationship where none exist. (Ex. You think your child’s sick cuz they were out in the rain, but really there is no correlation)

Question 21

Random Assignment

Answer 21

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing pre-existing differences between those assigned to the different groups.

Question 22

Double-blind Procedure

Answer 22

An experimental process 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 23

Placebo Effect

Answer 23

Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

Question 24

Experimental Group

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Control Group

Answer 25

In an experiment, the group that is not expose the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group, and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

Question 26

Independent Variable

Answer 26

The variable whose effect is being studied/whatever is being manipulated in the experiment.

Question 27

Confounding Variable

Answer 27

A factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.

Question 28

Dependent Variable

Answer 28

The variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

Question 29

Mode

Answer 29

The most frequently occurring score in a distribution

Question 30

Median

Answer 30

The middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above and half below

Question 31

Mean

Answer 31

The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and dividing by the number of scores.

Question 32

Variation

Answer 32

How similar or diverse the scores are.

Question 33

Range

Answer 33

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution

Question 34

Standard deviation

Answer 34

A computer measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.

Question 35

What is the normal curve?

Answer 35

A bell shaped curve

Question 36

Statistical significance

Answer 36

A statistical statement of how likely it is, that an obtained result occurred by chance.

Question 37

Representative Sample

Answer 37

A sample obtained in such a way that it reflects the distribution of important variables in the larger population in which the researcher are interested-variables such as age, SES, ethnicity, education…

Question 38

Longitudinal Study

Answer 38

One group or subject is studied for an extended period of time to observe changes in the long term. (Same subjects the whole study)

Question 39

Cross-sectional Studies

Answer 39

Look at a cross section of the population and studies them at one point in time (Ex. No child left behind)

Question 40

Personal/Experimenter Bias

Answer 40

When the researcher allows his or her personal beliefs affect the outcome of the study

Question 41

Expectancy Bias

Answer 41

When the researcher allows his or her expectations to affect the outcome of the study