Research Design Foundations (Schwab, 2005)

Question 1

Misspecification

Answer 1

Occurs if variables that operate in the causal model are not included in
the model studied.

Question 2

Nuisance variable

Answer 2

A variable in the causal model that is not controlled in a research study,

Question 3

Biased relationship

Answer 3

An observed relationship between an independent and a dependent variable that under- or overstates the causal relationship.

Question 4

Spurious relationship

Answer 4

An observed relationship between an independent and a dependent variable but no causal relationship. Occurs when a nuisance variable accounts for all the
observed relationship between a dependent and an independent variable(s).

Question 5

Suppressor variable

Answer 5

A nuisance variable that biases an observed relationship between an independent and a dependent variable downward; usually occurs when a nuisance variable has a positive relationship with the independent variable and a small negative relationship
with the dependent variable.

Question 6

Noisy relationship

Answer 6

Occurs when a nuisance variable is related to the dependent variable but not to the independent variable(s).

Question 7

Mediator variable (intervening variable)

Answer 7

comes between an independent and a dependent

variable in a causal chain.

Question 8

Full mediation

Answer 8

The relationship between an independent and dependent variable operates
only through a mediator variable. The independent variable has no direct effect on
the dependent variable.

Question 9

Partial mediation

Answer 9

The relationship between an independent and dependent variable operates partially through a mediator variable. The independent variable has a direct effect on the dependent variable and an indirect effect through the mediator.

Question 10

Moderator variable

Answer 10

A variable whose values are associated with different relationships between an independent and a dependent variable. It may or may not be an independent
variable.

Question 11

Interaction variable

Answer 11

Synonym for moderator variable. A relationship between an independent and a dependent variable depends on the value of another variable.

Question 12

Boundary condition

Answer 12

Synonym for moderator variable. A relationship between an independent and a dependent variable depends on the value (boundary) of another variable.

Question 13

Probability sampling

Answer 13

The selection of a subset of cases obtained from a larger population of cases by using rules of probability.

Question 14

Convenience sampling (also judgment sampling)

Answer 14

The selection of cases (usually an intact

group) to study by using nonprobability methods.

Question 15

Restriction of range

Answer 15

A reduction in the variance of a variable through selection of cases.

Question 16

Comparison groups

Answer 16

Groups of research cases thought to be comparable on levels of potential nuisance variables.

Question 17

Matching

Answer 17

Cases are selected for research so those who experience different levels of an independent variable(s) are equated on levels of nuisance variables.

Question 18

Random assignment

Answer 18

Allocation of cases to levels of an independent variable(s) without order; a procedure designed to equate cases on nuisance variables at each level of an
independent variable(s).

Question 19

Experiments

Answer 19

A research design in which cases are randomly assigned to levels of an independent variable(s).

Question 20

Quasi-experiments

Answer 20

A research design in which cases do not control the levels of the independent variable(s) they experience; cases are not randomly assigned to levels of the
independent variable(s).

Question 21

Field study

Answer 21

A research design in which values of the independent variable(s) are characteristics of the cases studied and in which cases are not randomly selected from some larger population.

Question 22

Survey study

Answer 22

A research design in which values of the independent variable(s) are characteristics of the cases studied and in which cases are randomly selected from some larger
population.