research methods Flashcards
(168 cards)
1
Q
What is a variable in research methods?
A
A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types.
2
Q
What is an independent variable?
A
An independent variable is the variable that is changed by the researcher to see its effect on the dependent variable.
3
Q
What is a dependent variable?
A
A dependent variable is the variable that is measured in an experiment to see if it is affected by changes in the independent variable.
4
Q
True or False: The independent variable is influenced by the dependent variable.
A
False.
5
Q
What type of variable is used as a control in experiments?
A
Controlled variable.
6
Q
Fill in the blank: A __________ variable is one that is kept constant to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable.
A
controlled
7
Q
What is a confounding variable?
A
A confounding variable is an outside influence that changes the effect of a dependent and independent variable.
8
Q
Fill in the blank: In a study, if the researcher alters the amount of sleep participants get, sleep is the __________ variable.
A
independent
9
Q
What is a categorical variable?
A
A categorical variable is a variable that can be divided into groups or categories.
10
Q
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a continuous variable? A) Gender B) Age C) Marital Status D) Eye Color
A
B) Age.
11
Q
True or False: A scale variable can be measured on a continuous scale.
A
True.
12
Q
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative variables?
A
Qualitative variables describe qualities or characteristics, while quantitative variables represent numerical values.
13
Q
Fill in the blank: A __________ variable is one that can be measured numerically and can take on an infinite number of values.
A
continuous
14
Q
What is the role of a control group in an experiment?
A
A control group serves as a baseline to compare the effects of the independent variable against.
15
Q
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of a good variable? A) Ambiguous B) Measurable C) Irrelevant D) Inconsistent
A
B) Measurable.
16
Q
What does it mean to manipulate a variable?
A
To manipulate a variable means to systematically change it to observe the effect on another variable.
17
Q
True or False: All variables in a study must be operationally defined.
A
True.
18
Q
What is an extraneous variable?
A
An extraneous variable is any variable other than the independent variable that could influence the dependent variable.
19
Q
Fill in the blank: __________ variables can be controlled or manipulated in an experiment to test hypotheses.
A
Independent
20
Q
A
21
Q
What is a confounding variable?
A
A confounding variable is an extraneous variable that correlates with both the dependent and independent variables, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions.
22
Q
True or False: Confounding variables can help establish a causal relationship.
A
False
23
Q
Fill in the blank: A confounding variable can lead to _____ in research findings.
A
misinterpretation
24
Q
What is the primary impact of confounding variables on an experiment?
A
They can obscure the true relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
25
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a method to control confounding variables? A) Randomization B) Ignoring them C) Increasing sample size D) All of the above
A) Randomization
26
What is the difference between a confounding variable and a mediating variable?
A confounding variable influences both the independent and dependent variables, while a mediating variable explains the relationship between them.
27
True or False: Confounding variables are only a concern in experimental research.
False
28
What is one example of a confounding variable in a study examining the effects of exercise on weight loss?
Dietary habits
29
Fill in the blank: Researchers can use _____ to statistically control for confounding variables.
multivariate analysis
30
Multiple Choice: Which design is least likely to be affected by confounding variables? A) Cross-sectional study B) Longitudinal study C) Experimental study D) Case study
C) Experimental study
31
What role does random assignment play in controlling confounding variables?
It helps ensure that confounding variables are evenly distributed across experimental groups.
32
True or False: Confounding variables can be identified after a study is completed.
True
33
What is the purpose of blinding in research?
To reduce the impact of confounding variables by preventing participants and researchers from knowing group assignments.
34
Fill in the blank: In observational studies, confounding variables are often _____ rather than controlled.
measured
35
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a confounding variable? A) Age B) Gender C) Treatment group D) Socioeconomic status
C) Treatment group
36
How can confounding variables affect the validity of a study?
They can threaten the internal validity by providing alternative explanations for the observed results.
37
True or False: All confounding variables can be eliminated from research.
False
38
What is an example of a confounding variable in a study on smoking and lung cancer?
Exposure to air pollution
39
Fill in the blank: Researchers may use _____ to identify potential confounding variables before conducting an experiment.
literature reviews
40
Multiple Choice: Which statistical method is commonly used to adjust for confounding variables? A) ANOVA B) Regression analysis C) Chi-square test D) T-test
B) Regression analysis
41
True or False: Confounding variables only affect quantitative research.
False
42
True or False: Confounding variables only affect quantitative research.
False
43
What is the relationship between confounding variables and observational studies?
Observational studies often struggle with confounding variables since they do not manipulate the independent variable.
44
Fill in the blank: The _____ method can help researchers identify and control for confounding variables.
matched groups
45
Multiple Choice: Confounding variables can lead to which type of error in research conclusions? A) Type I B) Type II C) Both A and B D) None of the above
C) Both A and B
46
What is one strategy to deal with confounding variables during data analysis?
Using stratification to analyze subgroups of data separately.
47
48
What is an experiment?
A research method that involves manipulating one variable to determine its effect on another variable.
49
True or False: Experiments can establish cause-and-effect relationships.
True
50
What are the two main types of experiments?
Laboratory experiments and field experiments.
51
Fill in the blank: In a __________ experiment, the researcher controls the environment and variables.
laboratory
52
What is a field experiment?
An experiment conducted in a natural environment where the researcher has some control over the variables.
53
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an advantage of laboratory experiments? A) High ecological validity B) Control over variables C) Low cost
B) Control over variables
54
What is a key disadvantage of laboratory experiments?
They may lack ecological validity due to artificial settings.
55
True or False: Field experiments are less controlled than laboratory experiments.
True
56
Fill in the blank: In a __________ experiment, participants are randomly assigned to different conditions.
true
57
What is a quasi-experiment?
An experiment that lacks random assignment and uses pre-existing groups.
58
Multiple Choice: What is a disadvantage of quasi-experiments? A) Lack of control over variables B) High ecological validity C) Random assignment
A) Lack of control over variables
59
What is the purpose of a control group?
To serve as a baseline to compare the effects of the independent variable.
60
True or False: In a double-blind experiment, both the participants and the researchers are unaware of the conditions.
True
61
What is the independent variable?
The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.
62
What is the dependent variable?
The variable that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.
63
Fill in the blank: A __________ variable is any variable other than the independent variable that may affect the dependent variable.
confounding
64
What is random assignment?
The process of randomly assigning participants to different experimental conditions to ensure each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group.
65
Multiple Choice: Which type of experiment typically has higher external validity? A) Laboratory B) Field C) Quasi
B) Field
66
What does the term 'operationalization' refer to?
The process of defining variables in practical, measurable terms.
67
True or False: Ethical considerations are not important in experimental research.
False
68
What is the primary ethical concern in experiments involving human participants?
Informed consent and the potential for harm.
69
Fill in the blank: __________ validity refers to the extent to which results can be generalized to real-world settings.
External
70
What is a longitudinal study?
A research method that involves repeated observations of the same variables over a long period.
71
Multiple Choice: What is a primary advantage of longitudinal studies? A) Quick results B) Ability to track changes over time C) Low cost
B) Ability to track changes over time
72
What is a cross-sectional study?
A study that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.
73
True or False: Cross-sectional studies can establish cause-and-effect relationships.
False
74
What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Qualitative research focuses on understanding concepts and experiences, while quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistics.
75
76
What is the primary purpose of a pilot study in research?
To test the feasibility and design of a larger study.
77
True or False: Pilot studies are conducted with a large sample size.
False
78
Fill in the blank: A pilot study helps identify __________ in the research design.
potential problems
79
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of conducting a pilot study? A) Identifying logistical issues B) Testing data collection methods C) Guaranteeing research success D) Refining the research question
C) Guaranteeing research success
80
What type of data is often collected in a pilot study?
Qualitative and quantitative data
81
Short Answer: How does a pilot study contribute to the validity of a larger study?
By allowing researchers to refine methods and address issues before the main study.
82
True or False: A pilot study can help save time and resources in the main study.
True
83
What is one common outcome of a pilot study?
Revisions to the research design or methodology.
84
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key aspect to evaluate in a pilot study? A) Sample size B) Participant demographics C) Data analysis techniques D) All of the above
D) All of the above
85
Fill in the blank: Pilot studies are typically __________ than the main study.
smaller
86
87
What is the primary aim of a research study?
To investigate a specific question or hypothesis.
88
True or False: A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables.
True
89
Fill in the blank: The __________ hypothesis predicts that there will be no effect or difference.
null
90
What type of hypothesis predicts a specific direction of the effect?
Directional hypothesis
91
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of hypothesis? A) Null B) Alternative C) Research D) Control
D) Control
92
What does a non-directional hypothesis state?
It indicates that there will be a difference or effect, but does not specify the direction.
93
What is the difference between an aim and a hypothesis?
An aim is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction derived from the aim.
94
True or False: A hypothesis must always be proven true.
False
95
What is an operational definition?
A clear and precise definition of how variables will be measured or manipulated in a study.
96
Fill in the blank: The __________ hypothesis is often used to suggest a relationship between two variables.
alternative
97
Multiple Choice: Which hypothesis is tested in a study? A) Null B) Directional C) Alternative D) All of the above
A) Null
98
What is the purpose of formulating a hypothesis in research?
To provide a clear focus and direction for the research study.
99
True or False: A hypothesis can only be formulated after conducting a literature review.
False
100
What is meant by 'hypothesis testing'?
The process of determining whether the data supports or refutes a hypothesis.
101
Fill in the blank: A __________ hypothesis is used when the expected outcome is unknown.
non-directional
102
What is a research question?
A specific question that a study aims to answer, often guiding the formulation of the hypothesis.
103
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes a null hypothesis? A) It predicts a positive outcome B) It predicts no relationship C) It is a conjecture D) It is a variable
B) It predicts no relationship
104
What role does the literature review play in hypothesis formulation?
It helps identify gaps in existing research and informs the development of the hypothesis.
105
True or False: A well-defined hypothesis can enhance the reliability of research findings.
True
106
What is the significance of a hypothesis in the scientific method?
It allows researchers to make predictions that can be tested through experimentation.
107
What is the primary aim of a research study?
To investigate a specific question or hypothesis.
108
True or False: A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables.
True
109
Fill in the blank: The __________ hypothesis predicts that there will be no effect or difference.
null
110
What type of hypothesis predicts a specific direction of the effect?
Directional hypothesis
111
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of hypothesis? A) Null B) Alternative C) Research D) Control
D) Control
112
What does a non-directional hypothesis state?
It indicates that there will be a difference or effect, but does not specify the direction.
113
What is the difference between an aim and a hypothesis?
An aim is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction derived from the aim.
114
True or False: A hypothesis must always be proven true.
False
115
What is an operational definition?
A clear and precise definition of how variables will be measured or manipulated in a study.
116
Fill in the blank: The __________ hypothesis is often used to suggest a relationship between two variables.
alternative
117
Multiple Choice: Which hypothesis is tested in a study? A) Null B) Directional C) Alternative D) All of the above
A) Null
118
What is the purpose of formulating a hypothesis in research?
To provide a clear focus and direction for the research study.
119
True or False: A hypothesis can only be formulated after conducting a literature review.
False
120
What is meant by 'hypothesis testing'?
The process of determining whether the data supports or refutes a hypothesis.
121
Fill in the blank: A __________ hypothesis is used when the expected outcome is unknown.
non-directional
122
What is a research question?
A specific question that a study aims to answer, often guiding the formulation of the hypothesis.
123
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes a null hypothesis? A) It predicts a positive outcome B) It predicts no relationship C) It is a conjecture D) It is a variable
B) It predicts no relationship
124
What role does the literature review play in hypothesis formulation?
It helps identify gaps in existing research and informs the development of the hypothesis.
125
True or False: A well-defined hypothesis can enhance the reliability of research findings.
True
126
What is the significance of a hypothesis in the scientific method?
It allows researchers to make predictions that can be tested through experimentation.
127
128
What is an open question?
An open question allows for a free-form response, encouraging detailed answers.
129
What is a closed question?
A closed question restricts responses to predefined options, such as 'yes' or 'no'.
130
True or False: Open questions are typically easier to analyze than closed questions.
False
131
Give an example of an open question.
What are your thoughts on the impact of social media?
132
Give an example of a closed question.
Do you use social media? (Yes/No)
133
What is one advantage of using open questions in research?
They provide richer, more nuanced data.
134
What is one disadvantage of using closed questions?
They may limit the depth of responses and miss nuances.
135
Fill in the blank: Open questions are best for exploring __________.
complex issues or feelings
136
Fill in the blank: Closed questions are useful for gathering __________ data.
quantitative
137
What type of data do closed questions typically yield?
Quantitative data
138
What type of data do open questions typically yield?
Qualitative data
139
True or False: Open questions can lead to biased responses.
True
140
What is a common use for closed questions in surveys?
To quantify responses for statistical analysis.
141
What is a common use for open questions in interviews?
To explore participants' perspectives in depth.
142
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an advantage of closed questions? A) Flexibility B) Ease of analysis C) Depth of response
B) Ease of analysis
143
Multiple Choice: Which type of question is more likely to generate unexpected insights? A) Open B) Closed
A) Open
144
What is a potential drawback of open questions?
They can be time-consuming to analyze.
145
What is a potential drawback of closed questions?
They may oversimplify complex issues.
146
True or False: Closed questions can offer a quick way to collect data.
True
147
What type of question would you use to gauge a participant's satisfaction level?
Closed question with a Likert scale.
148
What is the Likert scale?
A rating scale used to measure attitudes or opinions.
149
Fill in the blank: The response to an open question can be __________.
qualitative
150
How do researchers typically analyze data from open questions?
Thematic analysis or coding.
151
What is an example of a closed question that uses a numerical response?
How many hours do you spend on social media each week?
152
Multiple Choice: Open questions are often used in which type of research? A) Quantitative B) Qualitative
B) Qualitative
153
What is an important consideration when designing questions for research?
Clarity and relevance to the research objectives.
154
what measure of central tendency and measure of dispersion does nominal data have?
1.mode
2.range
155
what measure of central tendency and measure of dispersion does ordinal data have?
1. median
2. range
156
what measure of central tendency and measure of dispersion does interval data have?
1. mean
2. standard deviation
157
what are the measures of central tendency?
mode, median and mean
158
what are the measures of dispersion?
range and standard deviation
159
what is standard deviation?
the average difference that each score in the data set is from the mean
160
what is nominal data?
when data is in separate categories/ groups— counting times a behaviour is shown
161
what is ordinal data?
when data is rank ordered and can include subjective data— height order or best sweet
162
what is interval data?
when data is measured with equal, fixed intervals
163
sign test answer plan
the findings were significant/non sign of p<_ 0.05. this is because the observed value of ___ is higher/lower than the critical value of ___ for a one/two tailed test with n=__
164
what is a type 1 error?
a false positive answer— when the experimental hyp is accepted when results were a chance finding and null should have been accepted
165
what is a type 2 error?
false negative answer— when the null hyp is wrongly accepted when it was a real result so experimental should have been accepted
166
what does cha cha slide mean with nominal data?
chi squared, chi squared and sign test
167
what does spearman’s willy mean with ordinal data?
spearman’s, mann-whitney and wilcoxon
168
what does PUrR stand for with interval data?
Pearson’s, Unrelated t-test and Related t-test
