Unit 2 Research Methods Flashcards
Hindsight Bias
The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have known that.
Critical Thinking
Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
Scientific Method
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.
Operational Definition
It describes exactly what the variables are and how they are measured within the context of your study.
Replication
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.
Descriptive methods
Case study, survey, and naturalistic observation
Correlational methods
Scatter plots, causation, and perceiving order in random events
Experimental methods
Random assignment, using control groups, and observing cause and effect with independent and dependent variables.
Case study
An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.
Survey
A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.
Random sampling in surveys
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.
Population
All the cases 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
Naturalistic observations
They are observations of behavior in somethings natural environment.
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus how well either factor predicts the other.
Correlation coefficient
A statistical index of the relationship between two things.
Scatterplots
They are graphs of clustered dots, each of which represent the values of two variables.
What is a positive correlation?
A positive correlation happens if two sets of scores rise or fall together.
What is a negative correlation?
A negative correlation happens if two sets of scores relate inversely so as one goes up the other goes down.
Illusory correlation
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)
Random Assignment
Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing pre-existing differences between those assigned to the different groups.
Double-blind Procedure
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.
Placebo Effect
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.
Experimental Group
In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.
Control Group
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.
Independent Variable
The variable whose effect is being studied/whatever is being manipulated in the experiment.
Confounding Variable
A factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.
Dependent Variable
The variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.
Mode
The most frequently occurring score in a distribution
Median
The middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above and half below
Mean
The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and dividing by the number of scores.
Variation
How similar or diverse the scores are.
Range
The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution
Standard deviation
A computer measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.
What is the normal curve?
A bell shaped curve
Statistical significance
A statistical statement of how likely it is, that an obtained result occurred by chance.
Representative Sample
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…
Longitudinal Study
One group or subject is studied for an extended period of time to observe changes in the long term. (Same subjects the whole study)
Cross-sectional Studies
Look at a cross section of the population and studies them at one point in time (Ex. No child left behind)
Personal/Experimenter Bias
When the researcher allows his or her personal beliefs affect the outcome of the study
Expectancy Bias
When the researcher allows his or her expectations to affect the outcome of the study
