Week 2 Flashcards
What is the purpose of Statistics?
(1) organize data to be communicated to others
(2) helps to determine if the results are justified or not
What is the purpose of inferential statistics?
to determine whether or not the difference between sample scores is significant
What does the Chi-squared test measure?
the relationship between non-numerical values (also used during the correlational method)
What is a quasi- independent variable?
a variable that can not be changed or manipulated by staff
What is the four scales of measurement ?
nominal, interval, ratio, ordinal
What is the difference between experimental vs non experimental?
they both show relationship but, non experimental does not tell cause and effect.
Whats the difference between control condition and experimental condition?
control condition receives no treatment so that we know that the experimental condition what effect. FOR THIS REASON - the independent variable always has two variables.
What is a confounded variable
whenever a research study allows more more than one explanation for the results
What is the difference between interval and ratio?
Interval has no TRUE ZERO(temperature). Ratio numbers can be described in a RATIO (student:teacher).
Define operationalism.
Theories in science must be grounded in things that can be observed so that they can be measured.
For an operational definition to be useful it must be:
reliable and valid
Reliability
an instrument is consistent
Validity
the instrument measures what it supposed to
What is the goal of descriptive statistics?
the goals of descriptive statistics is to report data
What is the goal of correlational statistics?
identify relationships between variables
What is the goal of experimental statistics?
to identify the effect of the IV on the DV
What is the difference between correlational and experimental experiments?
CORR show Relationship; Experimental show cause and effect through manipulation.
What are the three ways of defining a construct
Constructs came be defined in terms of
- Behavior
- physiologically
- self -report
Why are operational definitions important in research?
- Makes sure the study is valid and reliable
2. Aids in replication by other researchers.
What is a construct?
internal characteristics that cannot be directly observed but still can help explain behavior
Define latent constructs
when a concept can not be defined by an observable operations, but is linked to concepts that have operational definitions.
Define indirect operational definitions
when a concept is defined by several simpler subcontracts more closely tied of operational measures.
Why does psychology requires operationism to evaluate theoretical claims?
This way everyone knows what they are talking about when they refer to a concept.
