Research Methods Flashcards
Hypothesis
A testable proposition that describes a relationship that may exist between events
Theory
An integrated set of principles that explain and predict observed events.
Field Research
Research done in natural, real-life settings outside the laboratory
Correlational Research
The study of the naturally occurring relationships among variables
Experimental Research
Studies that seek clues to cause-effect relationships by manipulating one or more factors (IV) while controlling others (holding them constant)
Random Sample
Survey procedure in which every person in the population being studied has an equal chance of inclusion
Framing
The way a question or an issue is posed; framing can influence people’s decisions and expressed opinions
Independent Variable
The experimental factor that a researcher manipulates
Dependent Variable
The variable being measured, so called because it may depend on manipulations of the IV
Random Assignment
The process of assigning participants to the conditions of an experiment such that all persons have the same chance of being in a given condition
