SEMESTER 2 EXAM- RESEARCH METHOD FLASHCARDS

Question 1

Non-experimental studies:

Answer 1

The label given to a study when a researcher cannot control, manipulate or alter the predictor variable or subjects, but instead relies on interpretation, observation or interactions to come to a conclusion.

Tend to have higher levels of validity.

Question 2

Population

Answer 2

The group from which the sample is selected

Question 3

Sample

Answer 3

A subgroup of research participants selected from a larger group of interest to the researcher

Question 4

Scientific VS Non-Scientific

Answer 4

•Scientific research is a process for investigating and acquiring or expanding our understanding.
It can be reproduced and consistent.

•Non Scientific: acquiring knowledge or truths without scientific method.
i.e.Tradition, Personal experience or intuition.

Question 5

Ethical conditions when conducting an experiment:

Answer 5

• Do not harm
• Minimise discomfort
• Maintain confidentiality
• Inform participants of the risks
• Ensure participation is voluntary
• Treat participants with dignity and respect
• Do not invade privacy

Question 6

Informed consent

Answer 6

Informing participants of the study’s true purpose, results and conclusion once it has finished, correcting any misconceptions and providing information on how to alleviate any unnecessary distress caused by participation.

Question 7

Voluntary Participation

Answer 7

All participants must participate in the research willingly and not be forced in any way.

Question 8

Withdrawal rights

Answer 8

Participants should be made aware that they have the right to withdraw from the research at any point, for any reason.

Question 9

Confidentiality

Answer 9

A participants right to privacy in term of access, storage and disposal of any information related to the research that could identify them.

Question 10

Deception

Answer 10

Not fully informing participants about the true purpose of the experiment until after it has finished because this information might influence their behaviour and affect the results in an unwanted way.

Question 11

7 steps scientific method

Answer 11

1: Identify the research topic of interest
2: Formulate the hypothesis
3: Select the research method and design the study
4: Collect the data
5: Analyse the data
6: Draw conclusions
7: Report the findings

Question 12

Scientific Method

Answer 12

The step by step approach to planning, conducting and reporting research.

Question 13

Surveys

Answer 13

A general view, examination or description of someone or something.

Question 14

Archival research

Answer 14

A type of primary research which involves seeking out and extracting evidence from original archival records.

Question 15

Case study

Answer 15

A case study is a research method that involves the collection of detailed information, usually of a highly personal nature, about an individual, family or small group.

Question 16

Correlation

Answer 16

A relationship between two variables.

positive/negative, strong/weak or no relationship.

Question 17

Qualitative methods of data collection:

Answer 17

• Individual interviews
• Focus groups
• Observations
• Action research

Question 18

Quantitative methods of data collection

Answer 18

• fixed responses

* rating scales

Question 19

Validity

Answer 19

A judgement about the meaningfulness of a study’s results (whether in support or not of the hypothesis)

Question 20

Reliability

Answer 20

Information gained from direct observation and measurement

Question 21

Independent variable

Answer 21

Is the variable, in the experiment that is selected, then systematically changed in some way in order to measure its effects on the dependent variable?

Question 22

Dependent variable

Answer 22

Is the variable, in the experiment selected, being used to observe and measure the effects of the independent variable?

Question 23

Control group

Answer 23

The group not exposed to the independent variable (control condition)

Question 24

Experimental group

Answer 24

The group that is exposed to the independent variable (experimental condition)

Question 25

Operational hypothesis

Answer 25

A hypothesis that states how a variable is observed, manipulated and measured. Also outlines the population that the sample has been selected.

Question 26

Extraneous variable

Answer 26

The variable(s), other than the Independent Variable, that can cause a change to the Dependent Variable and therefore affect the results of the experiment in an unwanted way.

Question 27

Range

Answer 27

The area of variation between upper and lower limits on a particular scale

Question 28

Median

Answer 28

A measure of the central tendency found by arranging scores from the highest to the lowest, and selecting the score that falls in the middle

Question 29

Mean

Answer 29

A measure of the central tendency calculated by adding all the scores for a given group, then dividing the total by the number of scores in the group.

Question 30

Mode

Answer 30

A measure of central tendency consisting of the most frequently occurring score in a group of scores

Question 31

Probability

Answer 31

The likelihood that something will occur.

If it is low then the validity would be questioned.

Question 32

Conclusion (Evidence based)

Answer 32

Refers to the consistent measuring of responses

Question 33

Experimental studies:

Answer 33

A study in which a treatment, process or program is intentional and a result or outcome is observed.

A test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, to examine the validity of a hypothesis or to determine the efficiency of something previously untried.