Practical Issues in Research Terms

Question 1

operational definition

Answer 1

a working definition of a complex or abstract idea that is based on how it is measured in a research project

Question 2

Variable

Answer 2

an element in a research project that, when measured, can take on more than one value

Question 3

Why use a Literature Search when defining measurements?

Answer 3

• Identify others methodologies
• Avoid simple repetition
• See operational definitions/variables of other research

Question 4

Types of Variables

Answer 4

• Independent variables
• Dependent variables
• Extraneous variables
• Confounding variables

Question 5

Determining Research Setting - Pros/Cons of Laboratory Research

Answer 5

• Often for theoretical research
• Not a natural setting
• Greater control of the situation

Question 6

Determining Research Setting - Pros/Cons of Field Research

Answer 6

• Often for applied research
• More natural setting
• Less control of the situation

Question 7

Determining Number of Participants - Rules

Answer 7

• need fewer participants for those similar
• need more participants for those dissimilar
• Small effects require larger samples to spot significant patterns
• Large effects require smaller samples to spot significant patterns

Question 8

Sampling Techniques - Probability Sampling

Answer 8

• Simple Random Sampling (SRS)
• Systematic sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling

Question 9

Sampling Techniques - Systematic Sampling

Answer 9

• every nth person is chosen

Question 10

Sampling Techniques - Stratified Sampling

Answer 10

• Subpopulations are identified
• People selected randomly from subpopulations
• ensuring representation of groups that might be missed in SRS

Question 11

Sampling Techniques - Simple Random Sampling (SRS)

Answer 11

• Every person has a specified probability of being included

Question 12

Sampling Techniques - Cluster Sampling

Answer 12

• Groups of people are identified (e.g., based on location)
• Participants randomly selected from the groups
• Different from stratified random sampling in that people in the groups do not share particular characteristics (other than location)

Question 13

Non-Probability Sampling

Answer 13

• Convenience Sampling
• Quota Sampling
• Purposive (Judgemental) Sampling
• Chain-Referral Sampling

Question 14

Non-Probability Sampling - Convenience Sampling

Answer 14

• Using whatever sample is accessible

- Typical characteristics = Students, Age 18–22, Female,Taking psychology courses, Educated

Question 15

Non-Probability Sampling - Quota Sampling

Answer 15

• Creating subgroups (e.g., female, male) in convenience sample
• same limitations as other nonprobability sampling techniques

Question 16

Non-Probability Sampling - Purposive (Judgemental) Sampling

Answer 16

• Using a sample with particular characteristics, such as expertise in some area
• the same limitations as other nonprobability sampling techniques

Question 17

Non-Probability Sampling - Chain-Referral Sampling

Answer 17

• using one person from a group to identify a second person or multiple people who may, in turn, identify yet more participants
• useful for finding hidden populations