Midterm #1 & #3 - The Research Process

Question 1

hypothesis

Answer 1

• an educated prediction that provides a testable explanation of a phenomenon

Question 2

the research process (6 aspects)

Answer 2

1. define research question with a theory
2. specific and testable hypothesis based on research question
3. carry out study, collect data
4. analyze and interpret data
5. revise theory based on data
6. repeat

Question 3

3 steps for a good research question

Answer 3

1. start with a general research idea
2. turn that into an empirically testable research question
3. evaluate how interesting the question really is

Question 4

common sense (for hypothesis)

Answer 4

• body of knowledge we all know to be true
• can support or refute common sense concepts

Question 5

observation of the world (for hypothesis)

Answer 5

• can lead to interesting questions
• culture? environment?

Question 6

practical problems (for hypothesis)

Answer 6

• access to healthcare
• online learning services
• incentives to move to green alternatitives

Question 7

past research

Answer 7

• may spawn new related ideas
• can re-evaluate previous studies and improve upon them

Question 8

PICO framework

Answer 8

• population
• intervention
• comparison
• outcome

Question 9

population (PICO)

Answer 9

• used to develop and refine research questions

Question 10

intervention (PICO)

Answer 10

• usually quantitative

Question 11

population and outcome (PICO)

Answer 11

• qualitative research benefits from clearly defining the population and outcome

Question 12

quantitative

Answer 12

• descriptive
• comparative
• relationship

Question 13

qualitative

Answer 13

• describes and contextualizes a phenomenon
• non-directional (doesn’t predict)
• flexible

Question 14

deduction order (quanititative)

Answer 14

• theory -> hypothesis -> observation -> confirmation

Question 15

induction order (qualitative)

Answer 15

• observation -> pattern -> hypothesis -> theory

Question 16

evaluating research questions (FINER)

Answer 16

• feasible
• interesting
• novel
• ethical
• relevant

Question 17

feasible (FINER)

Answer 17

• if study can be done based on resources, time, and tech

Question 18

interesting (FINER)

Answer 18

• whether study captivates a wider audience

Question 19

novel (FINER)

Answer 19

• uncharted areas
• new viewpoints

Question 20

ethical (FINER)

Answer 20

• integrity
• respect and responsibility
• safeguards dignity and well-being of participants

Question 21

relevant (FINER)

Answer 21

• research resonates with real world

Question 22

criteria of professional journals

Answer 22

• established for a long time
• associated with a professional organization
• peer reviewed

Question 23

when should stage one of peer review be done?

Answer 23

• between designing the study and collecting and analyzing data

Question 24

when should stage two of peer review be done?

Answer 24

• between writing the report and publishing the report

Question 25

scientific law

Answer 25

- a statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes some aspect of the world

Question 26

scientific theory

Answer 26

- a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world confirmed through repeated observation

Question 27

strategies for generating hypotheses

Answer 27

- introspection - find the exception to the rule - a matter of degree - change the directionality

Question 28

syllogistic logic

Answer 28

- IF (hypothesis) AND (method) THEN (prediction)

Question 29

if a prediction is false it could mean ... ?

Answer 29

- the method was ineffective - the theory was wrong - the results were a fluke

Question 30

how do we test our hypothesis?

Answer 30

- identify key variables - choose a research design - conduct the study - analyze the data and draw conclusions - communicate the findings

Question 31

experimental designs

Answer 31

- experimenter manipulates the independent variable - establish cause and effect relationships between IV and DV

Question 32

correlational designs

Answer 32

- nonexperimental - gives us relationships without manipulation - no IV or DV as either variable can predict the other

Question 33

independent variable in correlational designs

Answer 33

- explanatory or predictor

Question 34

dependent variable in correlational designs

Answer 34

- criterion or response variable

Question 35

script

Answer 35

- written instructions - researcher reads to each participant while collecting data

Question 36

sections in an APA style report

Answer 36

- title page - abstract - intro - method - results - discussion - references

Question 37

conceptual definition

Answer 37

- defining a variable in theoretical terms

Question 38

operational definition

Answer 38

- determining how variables will be used in study

Question 39

independent variable

Answer 39

- influences dependent - manipulated or controlled

Question 40

dependent variable

Answer 40

- measured in association with changes to the IV - outcome or effect