Unit 2: Research Methods

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

A self-correcting process for evaluating ideas with observation and analysis

Question 2

Operational Definition

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Replication

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Case Study

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 5

observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Question 6

Survey

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Sampling Bias

Answer 7

a flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample

Question 8

Population

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Random Sample

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Correlation

Answer 10

a measure of the extent to which two variables change together, and thus of how well either variable predicts the other

Question 11

Correlation Coefficient

Answer 11

a statistical index of the relationship between two variables (from -1.0 to + 1.0)

Question 12

Scatterplot

Answer 12

a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation)

Question 13

Causation and Correlation

Answer 13

Association does not prove causation. Correlation indicates the possibility of a cause-effect relationship but does not prove such

Question 14

Illusory Correlation

Answer 14

the perception of a relationship where none exists

Question 15

Experiment

Answer 15

a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant variables

Question 16

Experimental Group

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Control Group

Answer 17

in an experiment, the group not expose to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

Question 18

Random Assignment

Answer 18

assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups

Question 19

Double-Blind Procedure

Answer 19

an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies

Question 20

Placebo Effect

Answer 20

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 21

Independent Variable

Answer 21

the experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied

Question 22

Dependent Variable

Answer 22

the outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable

Question 23

Confounding Variable

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Validity

Answer 24

the extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to

Question 25

Descriptive Statistics

Answer 25

numerical data used to measure and describe characteristics of groups. Includes measures of central tendency measures of variation

Question 26

Histogram

Answer 26

a bar graph depicting a frequency ditribution

Question 27

Mean

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Median

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Mode

Answer 29

the most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution

Question 30

Skewed Distribution

Answer 30

a representation of scores that lack symmetry around their average value

Question 31

Range

Answer 31

the difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution

Question 32

Standard Deviation

Answer 32

a computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score

Question 33

Normal Curve

Answer 33

a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (about 68 percent fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes

Question 34

Inferential Statistics

Answer 34

numerical data that allow one to generalize - to infer from sample data the probability of something being true of a population

Question 35

Statistical Significance

Answer 35

a statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance

Question 36

Code of Ethics

Answer 36

Informed consent, allowed to withdraw, no harm, no deception, confidentiality, debrief

Question 37

Hypothesis

Answer 37

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Question 38

Theory

Answer 38

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Question 39

Informed consent

Answer 39

An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they which to participate