Unit 2 Research Methods Flashcards
Critical thinking
Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, assesses the source, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
Theory
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.
Operational definition
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) 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
A second descriptive method records behavior in natural environments.
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.
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 samples
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.
Correlation
A measure of the extend 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.
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.
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 participant, 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 exposed 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 cash nice, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.
Double-blind procedure
An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drugs-evaluation studies.
Hindsight bias
The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.
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.
Confounding variable
A factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.
