Unit 2: Research Methods (Pt. 1) Flashcards
Tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one could have foreseen it, I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon
Hindsight Bias
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events
Theory
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Hypothesis
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study
Operational Definition
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic findings can be reproduced
Replication
A descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
Case Study
A descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate or control the situation
Naturalistic Observation
A descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually be questioning a representative, random sample of the group
Survey
Study that follows the same group of people for a set amount of time
Longitudinal Study
Examines people of different groups at the same time, differs in a variable but share other characteristics
Cross-Sectional Study
A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample
Sampling Bias
All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn
Population
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal change of inclusion
Random Sample
Measure of the extent to which two factors vary together and thus how well each factor predicts the other
Correlation
Statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1.00 to +1.00)
Correlation Coefficient
Anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure
Variable
Graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the two variables.
Scatterplot
Perceiving a relationship where none exists or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship
Illusory Correlation
The tendency for extreme or unusual events or scores to fall back, or regress toward the average
Regression Toward the Mean
A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process
Experiment
The group exposed not exposed to the treatment, contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment
Control Group
The group exposed to the treatment, that is, one version of the independent variable
Experimental Group
Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups
Random Assignment
An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and staff are ignorant about whether the research participants have received the treatment or placebo
Double-blind Procedure
Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which recipient assumes is the active agent.
Placebo
A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s result.
Confounding Variable
