RESEARCH METHOD Flashcards
(24 cards)
an integrated set of principles that explain and predict observed events.
“Less than fact”
Facts are agreed-upon statements about what we observe.
Theory
A testable proposition that describes a relationship that may exist between events.
Hypothesis
A GOOD THEORY:
Effectively summarizes many observations.
Makes clear predictions that we can use to:
Confirm or modify the theory
Generate new exploration
Test practical applications
CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH: DETECTING NATURAL ASSOCIATION
Field research
Correlational research
Experimental research
Correlation and Causations
Correlation and Causation
research done in natural, real-life settings outside the laboratory.
Field research
the study of the naturally occurring relationship among variables.
Correlational research
studies that seek clues to cause-effect relationships by manipulating one or more factors (Independent variable) while controlling others (holding them constant).
Experimental research
when two variables correlate, any combination of three explanations is possible.
Correlation and Causations
SURVEY RESEARCH
Random sampling
Unrepresentative sample
Order of question
Response options
Wording of the question
Framing
survey procedure in which every person in the population being studied has an equal chance of inclusion.
Random sampling
How closely the sample represents the population under study matters greatly.
Unrepresentative sample
Given a representative sample, we must also contend with other sources of bias, such as the order of the survey questions.
Order of question
The precise wording of the question may also influence answers.
Wording of the question
The way a question or issue is posed; _______can influence people’s decisions and expressed opinions.
Framing
The process of assigning participants to the conditions of an experiment so that all persons have the same chance of being in a given condition.
Helps us infer cause and effect.
Random assignment
The experimental factor that a researcher manipulates.
Independent variable
The outcome or effect being measured in an experiment. It changes in response to the independent variable.
Dependent variable
Repeating a research study, often with different participants in different settings, to determine whether a finding could be reproduced.
Replication
Degree to which an experiment is superficially similar to an everyday situation.
Mundane realism
Degree to which an experiment absorbs and involves its participant.
Experimental realism
In research, an effect by which participants are misinformed or misled about the study’s methods and purpose.
Deception
Cues in an experiment that tell the participants what behavior is expected.
Demand characteristics
An ethical principle requiring that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.
Informed consent
In social psychology, the post-experimental explanation of a study to its participants. ________usually discloses any deception and often queries participants regarding their understandings and feelings.
Debriefing
