Week 2 Data Collection Flashcards
Name the 3 Goals of Scientific Approach
Description, Prediction and Understanding.
3 Goals of Scientific Approach: Define “Description”
Summarises data and events in a way which is easily understandable.
3 Goals of Scientific Approach: Define “Prediction”
Using the outcome to identify what would happen in the future, given the same circumstances.
3 Goals of Scientific Approach: Define “Understanding”
Why these results occurred, what were the causal factor which led to the results.
6 Steps in conducting an experiment:
- Frame a hypothesis 2. Operationalising variables
- Develop a standard procedure 4. Select and assign participants 5. Apply statistical techniques to this data
- Draw conclusions
6 Steps in conducting an experiment: Explain “1. Frame a hypothesis”
Predict the relationship among two or more variables.
6 Steps in conducting an experiment: Explain “2. Operationalising variables”
Convert abstract concepts into testable form.
6 Steps in conducting an experiment: Explain “3. Develop a standard procedure”
Setup experimental and control conditions, attend to researcher bias.
6 Steps in conducting an experiment: Explain “4. Select and assign participants”
Randomly assigning participants to different conditions.
6 Steps in conducting an experiment: Explain “5. Apply statistical techniques to this data.”
Describe data and determine likelihood that differences between conditions reflect causality or chance.
6 Steps in conducting an experiment: Explain “6. Drawing conclusions.”
Evaluate if data supports hypothesis, suggest future studies to address limitations and new questions raised by study.
Name the 3 types of research
Experimental, Descriptive, Correlational
Explain “Experimental Research”
Investigators manipulate some aspect of a situation and examine the impact on the way participants respond.
Explain “Descriptive Research”
Descriptive Research attempts to describe phenomena as they exist, rather than to manipulate variables.
Explain “Correlational Research”
Correlational Research attempts to determine the degree to which two or more variables are related.
Name the 3 types of Descriptive Research
Case Study, Naturalistic Observation, Survey Research
Descriptive Research: Explain “Case Study”
An in-depth observation of an individual or a group.
Descriptive Research: Explain “Naturalistic Observation”
An in-depth observation of a phenomenon in it’s natural setting.
Descriptive Research: Explain “Survey Research”
Involves asking a large sample a series of questions, typically about their attitudes and behaviours.
Critical Thinking: Name and explain the 3 underpinning principals.
Scepticism, Objectivity and Open-mindedness.
Descriptive Statistics: Define “Mean”
Average score of all participants.
Descriptive Statistics: Define “Mode”
The most common score of all participants.
Descriptive Statistics: Define “Median”
The score which falls in the middle of the distribution.
Statistics: Define “Standard Deviation”
The amount the average participant deviates from the mean.
Types of Variables: Describe “Independent Variable”
A condition or event which an experimenter varies/manipulates in order to observe its impact on another variable
Types of Variables: Describe “Dependent Variable”
The variable that is thought to be affected by the manipulation of the IV
Does Correlation imply Causation?
No.
Explain “Positive Correlation”
Values vary in the same direction (e.g. more study=higher marks)
Explain “Negative Correlation”
Values vary in opposite direction (e.g. higher age=worse eyesight)
What is the Correlation Coefficient Score range?
-1.00 to +1.00
