Unit 0 Test Flashcards
Goals of Research Methods
Describe, predict, control, and explain behaviors
Hypothesis
An educated guess/prediction and is used to guide your research
Experimental Method
Researchers manipulate in a controlled setting
Non-Experimental Method
Researchers observe without manipulation
Case Studies
In-depth study of individuals/small groups and often unable to replicate
Naturalistic Observations
Observations without interference to avoid the Hawthorne Effect
Hawthorne Effect
A temporary change in behavior when a subject knows they are being watched (e.g. Jane Goodall and the chimpanzees)
Surveys
Collects data from many individuals with limitations such as wording effect and self-reporting
Qualitative Research
Focuses on observations and decriptions
Quantitative Research
Involves numbers, such as the usage of the Likert scale
Likert Scale
A scale of numbers (e.g. scale of 1-10)
Survey Sampling
Involves population and random/representative/convenience samples
Random Sample
A random portion of people that are selected to participate in a study
Population
The people you are interested in studying
Representative Sample
An equal amount of each group from the random sample (e.g. 50 freshmen, 50 sophomores)
Convenience Sample
When certain groups of people are selected because they are easier/more convenient for the researcher to access
Operational Definitions
Clear descriptions of variables for replication - making sure you are receiving consistent info for the study to be replicated
Correlations
Examining relationships between two variables
Correlation Coefficients
Shows strength of the correlation; represented by “r”; the graph does not go beyond -1 and 1
Positive Correlation
Both variables either increase or decrease
Negative Correlation
One variable goes up, while the other goes down
No Correlation
No relationship with each other
Wording Effect
Wording influences how you respond (e.g. questions could be biased which could bring faulty data, some might not understand the question, etc.)
Why is self-reporting a limitation in surveys?
People might want to make themselves look better and people tend to lie on surveys