Chapter 6

Question 1

Research design

Answer 1

Specific methods and procedures used to answer a research question

Question 2

Type of Question: Exploratory, Descriptive, Relational

Answer 2

“What if?”
“What is?” “How?”
“Does?” “Is?”

Question 3

Experimental research design

Answer 3

The use of methods and procedures to make observations in which the researcher fully controls the conditions and experiences by applying three required elements of control: randomization, manipulation, and control

Question 4

Key strength of experimental research design

Answer 4

Capable of demonstrating cause and effect

Question 5

Quasi-experimental research design

Answer 5

Making observations in a study that is similar to an experiment, lacks random assignment, includes a preexisting factor, or does not have a control

Question 6

Quasi-independent variable

Answer 6

Variable with levels to which participants are not randomly assigned and that differentiates the groups or conditions being compared in a research study (grade level)

Question 7

Nonexperimental research design

Answer 7

Make observations in which the behavior or event is observed “as is” or without an intervention from the researcher

Question 8

Key strength of nonexperimental research design

Answer 8

Used to make observations in settings in which the behaviors and events being observed naturally

Question 9

Internal validity

Answer 9

Extent to which a research design includes enough control of the conditions and experiences of participants that it can demonstrate a single unambiguous explanation for a manipulation- cause and effect

Question 10

External validity

Answer 10

The extent to which observations made in a study generalize beyond the specific manipulations or constraints in the study

Question 11

3 key elements of an experiment

Answer 11

Randomization
Manipulation
Control

Question 12

Randomizaiton

Answer 12

Use of methods for selecting individuals to participate in a study and assigning them to groups such that each individual has an equal chance of being selected to participate and assigned to a group

Question 13

Levels of a factor

Answer 13

The specific conditions or groups created by manipulating that factor

Question 14

Individual differences

Answer 14

The unique characteristics of participants in a sample that can differ from participant to another

Question 15

Confound

Answer 15

Unanticipated variable not accounted for in a research study that could be causing or associated with observed changes in one or more measured variables

Question 16

Field experiment

Answer 16

Experiment that takes place in an environment within which the behavior or event being observed would naturally operate

Question 17

History effect

Answer 17

Possible threat to internal validity in which an unanticipated event co-occurs with a treatment or manipulation in a study

Question 18

Maturation

Answer 18

Possible threat to internal validity in which a participant’s physiological or psychological state changes over time during a study

Question 19

Regression toward the mean

Answer 19

Change or shift in a participant’s performance toward a level or score that is closer to or more typical of their true potential or mean ability on some measure, after previously scoring unusually low or high on that same measure

Question 20

Testing effect

Answer 20

The improved performance on a test or measure the second time it is taken due to the experience of taking the test

Question 21

Instrumentation

Answer 21

Possible threat to internal validity in which the measurement of the dependent variable changes due to an error during the course of a research study

Question 22

Attrition/experimental mortality

Answer 22

Possible threat to validity in which a participant does not show up for a study at a scheduled time or fails to complete the study

Question 23

Heterogeneous attrition

Answer 23

Possible threat to internal validity in which rates of attrition are different between groups in a study

Question 24

Population validity

Answer 24

The extent to which results observed in a study will generalize to the population from which a sample was selected

Question 25

Homogeneous attrition

Answer 25

Threat to population validity in which rates of attrition are about the same in each group

Question 26

Ecological validity

Answer 26

The extent in which results observed in a study will generalize across settings or environments

Question 27

Temporal validity

Answer 27

The extent to which results observed in a study will generalize across time and at different points in time

Question 28

Outcome validity

Answer 28

The extent to which the results observed in a study will generalize across different but related dependent variables

Question 29

Mundane realism

Answer 29

The extent to which a research setting physically resembles or looks like the natural or real-world environment being simulated

Question 30

Experimental realism

Answer 30

The extent to which the psychological aspects of a research setting are meaningful or feel real to participants