Unit 2: Research Methods Flashcards
Scientific Method
A self-correcting process for evaluating ideas with observation and analysis
Operational Definition
a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a research study
Replication
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
Case Study
a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
Naturalistic Observation
observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
Survey
a technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes of behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group
Sampling Bias
a flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample
Population
all those 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
Correlation
a measure of the extent to which two variables change together, and thus of how well either variable predicts the other
Correlation Coefficient
a statistical index of the relationship between two variables (from -1.0 to + 1.0)
Scatterplot
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)
Causation and Correlation
Association does not prove causation. Correlation indicates the possibility of a cause-effect relationship but does not prove such
Illusory Correlation
the perception of a relationship where none exists
Experiment
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
Experimental Group
in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable
Control Group
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
Random Assignment
assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups
Double-Blind Procedure
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
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
Independent Variable
the experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied
Dependent Variable
the outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable
Confounding Variable
a factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment
Validity
the extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to
Descriptive Statistics
numerical data used to measure and describe characteristics of groups. Includes measures of central tendency measures of variation
Histogram
a bar graph depicting a frequency ditribution
Mean
the arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores
Median
the middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it
Mode
the most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution
Skewed Distribution
a representation of scores that lack symmetry around their average value
Range
the difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution
Standard Deviation
a computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score
Normal Curve
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
Inferential Statistics
numerical data that allow one to generalize - to infer from sample data the probability of something being true of a population
Statistical Significance
a statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance
Code of Ethics
Informed consent, allowed to withdraw, no harm, no deception, confidentiality, debrief
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Theory
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events
Informed consent
An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they which to participate
