Research methods

Question 1

Null hypothesis

Answer 1

a hypothesis that exists and states that no variables affect any other variables

Question 2

Alternative hypothesis

Answer 2

the hypothesis the researcher tests by conducting a study and collecting data, which attempts to show the null hypothesis is not supported

Question 3

independent variable

Answer 3

the factor which will be varied or changed in an experiment to look for an effect on the other varibale

Question 4

dependent variable

Answer 4

the factor which will be measured in an experiment to see if changing the IV has had an effect

Question 5

Random smapling

Answer 5

every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample

Question 6

opportunity sampling

Answer 6

people who are members of the target population and available and willing to take part in research

Question 7

systematic sampling

Answer 7

uses a predetermined system to select the participants from a target group.

Question 8

stratified sampling

Answer 8

method of sampling from a population which can be partitioned into sub populations.

Question 9

experimental design

Answer 9

how the participants are used in the conditions of an experiment

Question 10

independent groups

Answer 10

where two or more separate groups of participants are used in an experiment; each group takes part in one of the conditions

Question 11

repeated measures

Answer 11

where only one group of participants is used in an experiment; this group takes part in both conditions

Question 12

matched pairs

Answer 12

where people with similar qualities are grouped into pairs; each member of the pair takes part in a different condition

Question 13

laboratory experiment

Answer 13

conducted under highly controlled conditions (not necessarily a laboratory), where accurate measurements are possible. The researcher decides where the experiment will take place, at what time, with which participants, in what circumstances and using a standardized procedure.

Question 14

field and natural experiment

Answer 14

using experimental design that occur in a natural setting. Researchers examine how the manipulation of at least one independent variable leads to a change in a dependent variable in the context of the natural environment.

Question 15

interview

Answer 15

self-report techniques that involve an experimenter asking participants questions (generally on a one-to-one basis) and recording their responses.

Question 16

questionnaires

Answer 16

research instrument composed of a series of questions designed to gather information about a certain topic. It can be administered via paper and pencil, where respondents simply fill out a survey form and send it back by mail or other means.

Question 17

case studies

Answer 17

refers to the use of a descriptive research approach to obtain an in-depth analysis of a person, group, or phenomenon.

Question 18

observation studies

Answer 18

a study in which a researcher simply observes behavior in a systematic manner without influencing or interfering with the behavior.

Question 19

quantitative data

Answer 19

data in description (no numbers) form, such as verbal or written answers to questions, or observed behavior

Question 20

qualitative data

Answer 20

data in numeric form, such as test scores or time taken to do a task

Question 21

primary data

Answer 21

data collected firsthand from the source (participants), by the researcher

Question 22

secondary data

Answer 22

data that is already published and just used, rather than gathered, by the researcher

Question 23

mean

Answer 23

add up all the numbers, then divide by how many numbers there are. In other words it is the sum divided by the count.

Question 24

median

Answer 24

Arrange the numbers in order by size.
If there is an odd number of terms, the median is the center term.
If there is an even number of terms, add the two middle terms and divide by 2.

Question 25

mode

Answer 25

put the numbers in order from least to greatest and count how many times each number occurs. The number that occurs the most is the mode!

Question 26

range

Answer 26

order the data from least to greatest. Then subtract the smallest value from the largest value in the set.

Question 27

normal distribution

Answer 27

symmetric, unimodal, and asymptotic, and the mean, median, and mode are all equal. A normal distribution is perfectly symmetrical around its center.