Research Methods

Question 0

What are the strengths and weakness of random sampling? (2/2)

Answer 0

STRENGTHS
• Low bias/unbiased
• Representative of larger population

WEAKNESSES
• Requires large sample size to be truly unbiased and representative.
• Ethical constraints as those chosen may not wish to participate

Question 1

What are three different types of sampling methods?

Answer 1

1) Random sampling
2) Stratified sampling
3) Convenience sampling

Question 2

What are the strengths and weaknesses of stratified sampling? (2/3)

Answer 2

STRENGTH
• Highly representative
• Unbiased

WEAKNESSES
• Requires extra planning
• Time-consuming
• Ethical constraints

Question 3

What are the strengths and weaknesses of convenience sampling? (2/2)

Answer 3

STRENGTHS
• Easy to carry out
• Less ethical constraints

WEAKNESSES
• Biased sample
• Non-representative

Question 4

How to write an operational hypothesis? (3)

Answer 4

(1) Identifies sample population and how independent variable was manipulated.
(2) Describes how the dependent variable was measured
(3) States the predicted relationship

“It is hypothesized that 10 twenty to thirty YO…”

Question 5

What does “P(p<0.05) mean?

Answer 5

When the probability that difference or observed trend less than 5% due to chance.

THEREFORE: results are significant.

Question 6

What does “P(p>0.05)” mean?

Answer 6

When the probability that the difference or observed trend is more than 5% due to chance.

THEREFORE: results are not significant

Question 7

What is reliability?

Answer 7

Is the test consistent? If we get the same results over and over, then reliable.

(E.g. an IQ test probably won’t change if you take it several times)

Question 8

What are four types of research methods?

Answer 8

1) Naturalistic observation
2) Correlational
3) Experimental
4) Case studies

Question 9

What is the research method “naturalistic observation”?

Answer 9

Looking at a behavior as it occurs in its natural setting with no attempt at intervention on the part of the researcher.

Question 10

What is the research method “Correlational”?

Answer 10

Can only show the relationship between two variables.

Correlation does not show causality.

Question 11

What is the research method “case studies”?

Answer 11

One or a few individuals is studied in-depth in the hope of revealing universal principals.

CON:
Any given individual may be abnormal and may not be representative of the larger population.

Question 12

Define validity

Answer 12

Whether the test measures what it’s supposed to measure and not something else.

Question 13

Define reliability

Answer 13

Is the test consistent? Does taking the same test over and over get the same result?

Question 14

What is a placebo?

Answer 14

An inactive substance given in the place of a drug with no actual physiological effects.

Question 15

What is the placebo effect?

Answer 15

Changes in behavior due to participants’ expectations that a drug will have some effect.

Question 16

What is quantitative data collection?

Answer 16

When data comes in the form of numbers.

Question 17

What are the ethical issues associated with research on young people?

Answer 17

1) Beneficence
2) Respect
3) Privacy
4) Confidentiality
5) Voluntary participation
6) Informed consent

7) BENEFICIENCE- “no harm”, the benefits of the research outweigh risks.
8) DECEPTION- there must be a reason for the deception

Question 18

What is validity?

Answer 18

Does the test measure what we want it to measure?

E.g. Does a stress inventory actually measure the amount of stress in a person’s life or something else?