Unit 2 The Research Process Flashcards
what are the (3) steps to developing a research question…
1- Introspection
(what would i do?)
2- Find the exception to the rule (alternative possibilities)
3- A matter of degree
(how to measure an observation)
hypothesis
making an educated guess
research hypothesis
based on knowledge
statistical hypothesis
probability of occurrence (null vs,)
what is the difference between scientific law and scientific theory?
law: makes no assumption WHY it occurs
theory: in depth explanation on why it occurs
a good theory satisfies (2) requirements
1) accurately describe a large class of observations
2) must make definite predictions about the result of future observations
can theories be PROVEN or DISPROVEN
disproven
Newton’s Law
Two objects will pull on each other with a force that depends on how much they weigh and gets weaker as they move farther apart
Variables
elements in a study that can vary or assume different values
conceptual defintion
what the variable represents in the context of the researchers study
-ex) happiness as the variable that represents a mental state of well-being that includes positive emotions
Operational Definition
represents how we will use (or put into operation) the variables in our study
ex) define happiness as the number of smiley-face emojis used in a social media post
constant
a factor in a study that does not change
deductive hypothesis is based on..
theoretical foundation
inductive hypothesis is based on..
experimental findings
(finding patterns of evidence)
research hypothesis
states that the experimenter THINKS will happen
when evaluating a hypothesis, consider (4)…
1- consistent with past research
2- making a minimum number of assumptions (Occam’s razor)
3- Barnum effect?
4- must be able to accept or refute hypothesis
Occam’s Razor
Occam’s razor: a phrase scientist use to refer to the idea that you should “cut away” unnecessary parts
The Barnum effect
the tendency of people to believe general descriptions of their personality are highly accurate
Independent variable (X)
a variable that is manipulated or under the control of the researcher
Level
how many categories fit under the independent variable EX (if two treatment groups- then there are two levels to variable)
Dependent Variable
Outcome variable
- What will be measured
In Canada, participants MUST…
volunteer ( hear all risks + benefits)
