2-MEASURING PEOPLE

Question 1

Equal probability selection method (Epsem)

Answer 1

Produces a sample into which every case in the target population has an equal probability of being selected.

Question 2

Hypothetical construct

Answer 2

Phenomenon or construct assumes to exist and used to explain observed effects, but as yet unconfirmed, stays as a n explanation of effects while evidence supports it.

Question 3

Mixed methods

Answer 3

Combines quantitative and qualitative methods as part processes in a single research project.

Question 4

Operational definition

Answer 4

Definition of a phenomenon in terms of precise procedures taken to measure it.

Question 5

Participant variables

Answer 5

Person variables differing in proportion across different experimental groups and possibly confounding the results.

Question 6

Population

Answer 6

All possible members of a category from which the sample is drawn.

Question 7

Positivism

Answer 7

Methodological belief that the world’s phenomena including human experience and social behaviour, are reducible to observable facts and the mathematical relationships between them. Only those relevant to science are those that can remeasured.

Question 8

Qualitative approach

Answer 8

Gathering qualitative data which usually hold info about human events and experiences, if reduced to numerical form, loses most of its important meaning for research.

Question 9

Qualitative data

Answer 9

Info gathered that is not in numerical form.

Question 10

Quantitative approach

Answer 10

Gathering quantitative data following the a belief that science requires accurate measurement and quantitative data.

Question 11

Quantitative data

Answer 11

Info about a phenomenon in numerical from.

Question 12

Random number

Answer 12

Number not predictable from those preceding it.

Question 13

Randomise

Answer 13

To put the trials of, or stimuli used in, an experiment into an unbiased sequence, where predictions the next is impossible.

Question 14

Randomly allocated

Answer 14

To put people into different conditions of an experiment on a random basis.

Question 15

Reification

Answer 15

Tendency to treat abstract concepts as real entities.

Question 16

Reliability

Answer 16

Extent to which finding or measures can be repeated with similar results; consistency of measures.

Question 17

Sample

Answer 17

Group selected from population for an investigation.

Question 18

Biased

Answer 18

Sample in which members of a sub-group of the target population are over or under represented.

Question 19

Cluster

Answer 19

Groups in a population selected at random from among other similar groups and assumed to be representative of the population.

Question 20

Convenience/ opportunity

Answer 20

Sample selected because they are easily available for testing.

Question 21

Haphazard

Answer 21

Sample selected from population with n0 conscious bias (but likely to not be truly random).

Question 22

Purposive

Answer 22

Non-random sampling of individuals likely to be able to make significant contribution to the data collection for qualitative project either because of their specific experiences or because of their expertise on a topic.

Question 23

Quota

Answer 23

Sample selected, not randomly, but so that specified groups will appear in numbers.

Question 24

Representative

Answer 24

Type of sample aimed at if the results of research are to be generalised; it is hoped that the sample will contain subgroups of people in direct proportion.

Question 25

Self-selecting

Answer 25

Sample selected for study on the basis of members’ own action in arriving at the sample point.

Question 26

Simple random

Answer 26

Sample selected in which every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected and all possible combinations can be drawn.

Question 27

Stratified

Answer 27

Sample selected so that specified subgroups will appear in numbers proportional to their size in the target population; within each sub-group cases are randomly selected.

Question 28

Systematic random

Answer 28

Sample selected by taking every nth case from a list of the target population; random if starting point for n is random.

Question 29

Sampling bias

Answer 29

Systematic tendency towards over or under representation of some categories in a sample.

Question 30

Sampling frame

Answer 30

The specified range of people from whom a sample can be drawn. Those within a population who can be sampled.

Question 31

Target population

Answer 31

Similar to sampling frame but more theoretical. The assumed population of people from which.a sample is to be drawn. Very often the aim is to be Abe to eternalise sample results to this population.

Question 32

Validity

Answer 32

Extent to which instruments measure what they are intended to measure. Also, extent to which a research effect can be trusted as real or as not, ‘contaminated’ or confounded.

Question 33

Variable

Answer 33

Phenomenon that varies. in psychology usually refers to phenomenon for which an objective measure has been provided.