Unit 2: Chapter 2-Developing a Research Question

Question 1

Define: Theory

Answer 1

a statement or set of statements explaining one or more laws, usually including one indirect concept needed to explain the relationship

Question 1

Define: hypothesis

Answer 1

a statement assumed to be true for the purpose of testing its validity

Question 2

Define: Variable

Answer 2

aspect of a testing condition that can change or take on different characteristics with different conditions (p119)

Question 3

Define: independent variable

Answer 3

the condition manipulated or selected by the experi- menter to determine its effect on behavior (p121)

Question 4

Define: Dependent Variable

Answer 4

a measure of the subject’s behavior that reflects the independent variable’s effects

Question 5

Define: confounding variable and provide an example

Answer 5

one whose effect cannot be separated from the supposed independent variable

Gender colour preferences: is the preference from social habit or genetics?

Question 6

Define: reliability of a measurement

Answer 6

the property of consistency of a measure- ment that gives the same result on different occasions

Question 7

List and explain the purpose and procedures in reviewing the literature.

Answer 7

Procedures:
-Find relevant articles (read abstracts and conclusions)
-Ask prof for guidance

Purpose:
-Find what is already known
-Develop a research question

Question 8

Define variable of interest

Answer 8

a variable for which its role in the cause and effect of an observed relationship is not clear

Question 8

Define subject variable and provide an example

Answer 8

a difference between subjects that cannot be controlled but can only be selected

For example:
You cannot control the IQ or wealth status of a subject but can select them based on their respective placement

Question 8

Explain the difference between a categorical and quantitate variable?

Answer 8

A quantitive variable differs in amount while a categorical variable differs in kind

Question 9

What are the 6 questions to ask when searching for an academic resource?

Answer 9

1) How credible are the host and authors?
2) What is the purpose of the resource, and who is the target audience?
3) Does the resource offer accurate information and an objective viewpoint?
4) Is the resource comprehensive?
5) Is the resource current?
6) Is the resource relevant for my needs?