Chapter 2

Question 1

Systematic reviews

Answer 1

Summary review about the impact of an intervention in which the analyst tries to account for differences in research design and participant characteristics, often using statistical techniques such as meta-analysis.

Question 2

Theory

Answer 2

A logically interrelated set of propositions about reality.

Question 3

Deductive research

Answer 3

The type of research in which a specific expectation is deduced from a general premise and is then tested.

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

A tentative statement about empirical reality, involving a relationship between two or more variables. Ex.: The higher the poverty rate in a community, the higher the percentage of community residents who are homeless.

Question 5

Variables

Answer 5

Characteristic or property that can take on different values or attributes. Ex.: Poverty rate, percentage of homeless community residents

Question 6

Independent variable

Answer 6

A variable that is hypothesized to cause, or lead to, variation in another variable. Ex.: poverty rate

Question 7

Dependent variable

Answer 7

A variable that is hypothesized to vary depending on or under the influence of another variable. Ex.: percentage of community residents who are homeless

Question 8

Direction of association

Answer 8

A pattern in a relationship between two variables; the values of one variable tend to change consistently in relation to change in the value of the second variable.

Question 9

Empirical generalization

Answer 9

A statement that describes patterns found in data.

Question 10

Inductive research

Answer 10

The type of research in which general conclusions are drawn from specific data.

Question 11

Serendipitous findings

Answer 11

Unexpected patterns in data that stimulate new ideas or theoretical approaches.

Question 12

Measurement validity

Answer 12

Exists when a measure measures what we think it measures.

Question 13

Sample generalizability

Answer 13

Exists when a conclusion based on a sample, or subset, of a larger population holds true for that population.

Question 14

Cross-population generalizability

Answer 14

Exists when findings about one group or population or setting hold true for other groups or populations or settings.

Question 15

Causal validity

Answer 15

Exists when a conclusion that A leads to or results in B is correct.

Question 16

Authenticity

Answer 16

When the understanding of a social process or social setting is one that reflects fairly the various perspectives of participants in that setting.