Unit 0 concepts to define and understand

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence and reasoning. It helps to predict and understand phenomena.

hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, formed based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation and experimentation.

falsifiable

A characteristic of a hypothesis or theory that allows it to be disproved by evidence or experiments. It is essential for scientific inquiry to ensure claims can be tested.

operational definition

A statement that defines a concept in terms of observable and measurable components, allowing for clear and consistent assessment in research.

replication

The process of repeating a study or experiment to verify results and ensure reliability. Replication is crucial for establishing the credibility and validity of scientific findings.

case-study

An in-depth examination of an individual, group, or phenomenon, often used to explore complex issues in real-life contexts. Case studies provide detailed qualitative data that can inform research and theories.

meta-analysis

A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies to determine overall trends and effects, providing a more comprehensive understanding of a research question.

naturalistic observation

A research method involving the direct observation of subjects in their natural environment without interference. This approach allows researchers to collect data on behaviors and interactions as they occur in real life. e

experimental methodology

A systematic approach to conducting research that involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships, typically through controlled experiments.

non-experimental methodology

A research approach that does not involve the manipulation of variables, allowing for the observation of relationships and behaviors in their natural context, often used when experiments are not feasible.

correlation

A statistical technique that examines the relationship between two or more variables to determine the degree to which they are related, without implying causation.

variable

An element or factor that can change or be manipulated in an experiment or study, which may affect the outcome of the research.

scatter plot

A graphical representation that uses dots to represent the values obtained for two different variables, illustrating the correlation between them.

illusionary correlation

A perception of a relationship between two variables when no such relationship exists, often influenced by cognitive biases.

experiment

A scientific procedure undertaken to test a hypothesis by manipulating variables and observing the effects. It typically includes control and experimental groups to ensure valid results.

experimmental group

A subset of participants in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention being tested, allowing researchers to measure its effects compared to a control group.

quantitative data

Data that can be quantified and expressed numerically, allowing for statistical analysis and mathematical calculations.

qualitative data

Data that describes characteristics or qualities, often collected through observations and interviews, and cannot be measured numerically.

likert scales

A type of rating scale used to measure attitudes or opinions by asking respondents to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with a statement.

institutional review board

A committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring ethical standards are met and participants' rights are protected.

descriptive statistics

A branch of statistics that focuses on summarizing and organizing data using measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation to describe the main features of a dataset.

histogram

A graphical representation of the distribution of numerical data, where the data is divided into ranges (bins), and the frequency of data points within each range is represented by bars.

mode

The value that appears most frequently in a dataset.

median

The middle value in a dataset when it is ordered from least to greatest. If there is an even number of observations, the median is the average of the two middle values.

mean

The average value of a dataset, calculated by summing all the values and dividing by the number of observations.

skewed distribution

A probability distribution in which the values are not symmetrically distributed around the mean, causing one tail to be longer or fatter than the other.

range

The difference between the highest and lowest values in a dataset, indicating the total spread of the data.

standard deviation

A measure of the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values, calculated as the square root of the variance.

normal curve

A symmetrical, bell-shaped distribution that represents the distribution of many types of data, where most of the observations cluster around the central peak and probabilities for values taper off equally in both directions.

meta analysis

A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies to identify patterns, discrepancies, or overall effects, providing a more comprehensive understanding of research findings.

statistical significance

A determination of whether the observed effects in data are likely due to chance, typically assessed using a p-value threshold (e.g., 0.05).