Week 2 Key Terms

Question 1

Correlational research

Answer 1

A research design that measures relationships among participants’ measured characteristics, behaviors, events, and development

Simply describes relationships that exist among variables; does not make conclusions about the causes of those relationships

Question 2

Cross-Sectional research

Answer 2

A developmental research design that compares people of different ages at a single point in time to infer age differences

However, it is unknown whether the observed age differences reflect age-related or developmental change

Because participants differ in terms of age and cohort, it does not permit conclusions about development

Question 3

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 3

The behavior under study in an experiment; it is expected to be affected by changes in the independent variable

Question 4

Descriptive research

Answer 4

In a descriptive research design, the researcher can choose to be either a complete observer, an observer as a participant, a participant as an observer, or a full participant.

For example, in a supermarket, a researcher can from afar monitor and track the customers’ selection and purchasing trends

Question 5

Experimental research

Answer 5

A research design that permits inferences about cause and effect by exerting control, systematically manipulating a variable, and studying the effects on measured variables

Question 6

Habituation

Answer 6

Habituation is a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations. Or, habituation involves “growing accustomed to a situation or stimulus,” thereby diminishing its effectiveness (APA)

Question 7

Hypotheses (what makes a good one?)

Answer 7

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested

A good hypothesis is:
–Narrow and specific (falsifiable, can be tested and refuted)
–Takes a stance; directional

Question 8

Independent Variable (IV)

Answer 8

The factor proposed to change the behavior under study in an experiment; it is systematically manipulated during an experiment

Question 9

Informed consent

Answer 9

A participant’s informed (knowledge of the scope of the research and potential harm and benefits of participating), rational, and voluntary agreement to participate in a study

Question 10

Longitudinal research

Answer 10

A developmental study in which one group of participants is studied repeatedly to infer age changes

Question 11

Naturalistic observation

Answer 11

A research method in which a researcher views and records an individual’s behavior in natural, real-world settings

Question 12

Observational measures

Answer 12

Methods that scientists use to collect and organize information based on watching and monitoring people’s behavior: naturalistic & structured

Question 13

Open-ended interview

Answer 13

A research method in which a researcher asks a participant questions using a flexible, conversational style and may vary the order of questions, probe, and ask follow-up questions based on the participant’s responses

Question 14

Participant reactivity

Answer 14

How the presence of an observer causes the person to behave in unnatural ways or ways that are not typical for him or her

Question 15

Physiological measures

Answer 15

Assesses biological indicators and does not rely on participant report

May be difficult to interpret

Question 16

Questionnaire (aka survey)

Answer 16

A research method in which researchers use a survey or set of questions to collect data from large samples of people

Question 17

Random assignment

Answer 17

A method of assigning participants that ensures each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to the experimental group or control group

Makes it less likely that any observed differences in the outcomes of the experimental and control groups are not due to preexisting differences between the groups

Question 18

Reverse Causation

Answer 18

(aka reverse causality) is a phenomenon that describes the association of two variables differently than you would expect. Instead of X causing Y, as is the cause for traditional causation, Y causes X.

Question 19

Scientific Method

Answer 19

The process of forming and answering questions using systematic observations and gathering information

Question 20

Self-report measures

Answer 20

Are interviews and questionnaires that the person under study answers about their experiences, attitudes, opinions, beliefs, and behavior

Question 21

Structured interview

Answer 21

A research method in which each participant is asked the same set of questions and in the same way

Question 22

Structured observation

Answer 22

An observational measure in which an individual’s behavior is viewed and recorded in a controlled environment; a situation created by the experimenter

Question 23

Third variable problem

Answer 23

A confounding variable, also known as a third variable or a mediator variable, influences both the independent variable and dependent variable. Being unaware of or failing to control for confounding variables may cause the researcher to analyze the results incorrectly