chapter 1: research Methods Flashcards
scientific method
the process of posing and answering questions using, careful controlled techniques that include systematic, orderly observation and the collection of data
1) identify question of interest
2) formulating an explanation
3) carry out research that either lends support to the explanation or refutes it
theories
explanations and predictions concerning phenomena of interest, providing a framework for understanding the relationships among an organized set of facts or principles
hypothesis
a prediction states in a way that permits testing
order of scientific method
scientific method -> theories -> hypothesis
correlational research
research that seeks to identify whether an association or relationship b/w two factors exists
-associated or related
experimental research
designed to discover causal relationships b/w various factors
types of correlational studies
naturalistic observation
survey research
naturalistic observation
a type of correlational study in which some naturally occurring behaviour is observed without intervention in the situation
-ethnography
ethonography
goal is to understand a cultures values and attitudes through careful, extended examination
case studies
involve extensive, in depth interview with a particular individual or small group of individuals
survey research
a type of study where a group of people chosen to represent some larger population are asked questions about their attitudes, behaviour, or thinking on a given topic
psychophysiological methods
research that focuses on the relationship b/w physiological processes and behaviour
electroencephalogram (EEG)
uses electrodes places on the skull to record electrical activity in the brain. the brain activity is transformed into a pictorial representation of brain-wave patterns
functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) Scan
provides a detailed, 3D computer generated image of brain activity by aiming a powerful magnetic field at the brain. it offers on of the best ways of learning about the operation of the brain
experiment
a process in which an investigator, called an experimenter, devises two different experiences for participants
independent variable
the variable that researchers manipulate in an experiment
dependent variable
the variable that researchers measure in an experiment and expect to change as a results of the the experimental manipulation
random assignment
participants are assigned to different experimental groups or conditions purely on the basis of chance
replicated
sometime using other procedures and techniques with other participants
meta-analysis
permits the results of many studies to be combined into one overall conclusion
sample
the group of participants chosen for the experiment
field study
a research investigation carried out in a naturally occurring setting
laboratory study
a research investigation conducted in a controlled setting explicitly designed to hold events constant
theoretical research
designed to test developmental explanations and expand scientific knowledge
