Intro and research design

Question 1

Parametric statistics

Answer 1

One branch of the statistical tree, identified primarily by an assumption of “normality” to the distribution that is formed by the data (an assumption of symmetry).

Question 2

Non-parametric statistics

Answer 2

Assumptions of symmetry of distribution cannot or should not be made. (use chi-square to analyze data)

Question 3

Descriptive statistics

Answer 3

describe

Question 4

Inferential statistics

Answer 4

Attempt to answer “why”

Question 5

Order of operations

Answer 5

Parentheses
Exponentiation
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction

Question 6

Population

Answer 6

All the people targeted by a study (N)

Question 7

Sample

Answer 7

A subset of the population (n)

Question 8

Representative

Answer 8

the extent to which the variables in the population are found in the same proportion in the sample.

Question 9

Generalization

Answer 9

the extent to which you can apply the findings from your sample to the population.

Question 10

Parameters

Answer 10

Numbers that apply to populations. (population IQ data, for example)

Question 11

Statistics

Answer 11

Numbers generated on the sample.

Question 12

Methodology

Answer 12

HOW WE DO RESEARCH; PROCESS (class)
book: the study of research methods. Addresses the broad tasks of how tasks are done, not the doing. Methodology is the blueprint for research whereas the method is the actual means of executing that blueprint. Involves the overarching principles of the research process

Question 13

Method

Answer 13

WHAT WE DO (class)
book: the adaptation of the methodology to the actual doing. Methodology is the blueprint for research whereas the method is the actual means of executing that blueprint. Method brings methodology down one level to pragmatic considerations of how you are going to do it.

Question 14

Experimental design

Answer 14

defined by random assignment of subjects across predetermined control and/or treatment conditions.

Question 15

Quasi-experimental design

Answer 15

a quasi-experimental variable must be preexisting in subjects because, by the nature of the variable, a researcher cannot ask subjects to assume the risks that go with the behavior (i.e. smoking)

Question 16

Correlational design

Answer 16

examines the potential for relationships between variables that might logically seem to be related. It does not establish causal factors.

Question 17

Survey design

Answer 17

uses surveys to collect data

Question 18

Single-subject design

Answer 18

studies only one subject. (an intervention may be measured with an ABAB design.)

Question 19

Qualitative design

Answer 19

do no use mathematical data and are instead based on observations. Ex: Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees.

Question 20

Operalization

Answer 20

making sure you can accurately measure what it is you want to measure. (using a scale to measure weight, for example)

Question 21

Characteristics of a research question

Answer 21

• Parsimonious: very carefully stated (stingy, even)
• Precise
• Objective
• Able to operationalize: ask the question in such a way that the question clearly defines what variables will be compared and that the variables under investigation are measurable.
• Rational
  Should be stated as a hypothesis

Question 22

Why do we research?

Answer 22

Curiosity, and to advance the species: protection, comfort, sustainability

Question 23

Simple pattern of research methods

Answer 23

question, data collection, data analysis

Question 24

Statistics (simple, general definition)

Answer 24

Using basic math computation and some symbols to calculate probability and variance, probability of error/chance, magnitude of difference between groups

Question 25

Tenets of Science

Answer 25

• Nature is lawful
• Nature can be identified and understood through systematic investigation
• Behavior is deterministic (cause and effect)
• Data should be defined, empirical, objective, systematically gathered, controlled, verifiable

Question 26

Qualities of data in research

Answer 26

Data should be defined, empirical, objective, systematically gathered, controlled, verifiable

Question 27

The Scientific Method

Answer 27

• Ask questions
• Read the lit
• Design methods
• Collect and analyze data
• Answer the question
• Share your findings

Question 28

Forming a research question

Answer 28

• start broad, then narrow it down

- make your question precise, objective and able to fit into a hypothesis

Question 29

Independent variable

Answer 29

treatment level or group; intervention

Question 30

Dependent variable

Answer 30

outcome

Question 31

What is included in a methods section?

Answer 31

• participants and setting
• materials
• procedures
• design, variables, analyses

Question 32

“Answer the question”

Answer 32

Your data will only answer your research question (do no overgeneralize)

Question 33

What is the most important step in research?

Answer 33

Sharing your findings! Through a peer reviewed paper, conference. You have a social responability!

Question 34

Can you use the word “proven” with your study results?

Answer 34

NO! Hypothesis is either supported or not, never proven.

Question 35

What is the hardest part of research design?

Answer 35

Planning your study: making sure your methods will answer your research question and are supported by previous research.