Unit 2 Research Methods

Question 1

Critical thinking

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Theory

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Question 4

Operational definition

Answer 4

A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study.

Question 5

Replication

Answer 5

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 6

Case study

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Naturalistic observation

Answer 7

A second descriptive method records behavior in natural environments.

Question 8

Survey

Answer 8

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 9

Sampling bias

Answer 9

A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample.

Question 10

Population

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Random samples

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Correlation

Answer 12

A measure of the extend to which two variables change together, and thus of how well either variable predicts the other.

Question 13

Correlation coefficient

Answer 13

A statistical index of the relationship between two variables.

Question 14

Scatterplot

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Illusory correlation

Answer 15

The perception of a relationship where none exists.

Question 16

Experiment

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Experimental group

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Control group

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Random assignment

Answer 19

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by cash nice, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.

Question 20

Double-blind procedure

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Hindsight bias

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Placebo effect

Answer 22

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 23

Independent variable

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Confounding variable

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Dependent variable

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Validity

Answer 26

The extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it’s suppose to.

Question 27

Descriptive statistics

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Mode

Answer 28

The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.

Question 29

Mean

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Median

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Skewed distribution

Answer 31

A representation of scores that lack symmetry around their average value.

Question 32

Range

Answer 32

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

Question 33

Standard deviation

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Normal curve

Answer 34

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 35

Inferential statistics

Answer 35

Numerical data that allows one to generalize-to infer from sample data the probability of something being true of a population.

Question 36

Statistical significance

Answer 36

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

Question 37

Culture

Answer 37

The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.

Question 38

Informed consent

Answer 38

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

Question 39

Debriefing

Answer 39

The postexperimental explanation of a study; including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.