Research Methods Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the definition of a population in research?
A population is the entire group of individuals that a researcher is interested in studying.
What is a sample in psychological research?
A sample is a subset of the population selected for participation in a study.
True or False: A sample should always be larger than the population.
False
What is the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?
The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect.
What is the dependent variable (DV) in an experiment?
The dependent variable is the factor that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.
Fill in the blank: Random sampling helps ensure that a sample is ______ of the population.
representative
What is the purpose of using control groups in experiments?
Control groups are used to compare against the experimental group to determine the effect of the independent variable.
True or False: Longitudinal studies collect data from the same subjects over time.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ validity refers to whether the study measures what it claims to measure.
Construct
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Qualitative research focuses on understanding concepts and experiences, while quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a common method of data collection? A) Surveys B) Experiments C) Observations D) Speculation
D) Speculation
True or False: Ethical considerations are not important in psychological research.
False
What is informed consent in research?
Informed consent is the process of providing potential participants with information about a study so they can make an informed decision about their participation.
Fill in the blank: A ________ variable can influence the outcome of an experiment but is not the focus of the study.
confounding
What is a case study?
A case study is an in-depth examination of a single individual or group, often used to explore complex issues.
Multiple Choice: Which research method is best for establishing cause-and-effect relationships? A) Case study B) Correlational study C) Experiment D) Survey
C) Experiment
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
True or False: Correlation implies causation.
False
