Research Methods Exam 3 Study Guide

Flashcards based on the Study Guide for Exam 3, covering key vocabulary and concepts from Chapters 9 to 11 and reviewing vital terms from previous chapters.

Empiricism

The practice of basing ideas and theories on observation and experimentation.

Basic research

Research aimed at increasing our fundamental understanding of a topic.

Applied research

Research that seeks to solve practical problems.

Multivariate research

Research that involves multiple variables to understand relationships between them.

Longitudinal research

Research that follows the same subjects over a period of time to observe changes.

Temporal precedence

The principle that the cause must precede the effect in time.

Regression

A statistical method used to understand the relationship between dependent and independent variables.

Regression equation

An equation that describes the relationship between variables, typically in the form Y = a + bX.

Covariance

The degree to which two variables change together.

Internal validity

The degree to which a study accurately establishes causal relationships.

Confounds

Variables other than the independent variable that may affect the dependent variable.

Design confound

A type of confound that arises from problems in the design of the study.

Posttest-only design

An experimental design where the dependent variable is measured after the independent variable is manipulated.

Pretest/Posttest design

An experimental design that measures the dependent variable before and after the independent variable is manipulated.

Repeated-measures design

A within-groups design where participants are tested on every condition.

Order effects

Effects that arise when the order of conditions affects the participants' responses.

Counterbalancing

A technique used to control for order effects by varying the order of conditions.

Demand characteristics

Cues in an experiment that may inform the participant of the purpose of the study.

Selection effects

Systematic differences between groups in an experimental design.

Control variable

A variable that is kept constant to accurately measure the impact of the independent variable.

Systematic variability

Variation in data that can be attributed to specific conditions.

Unsystematic variability

Variation in data that is random and not attributable to specific conditions.

Manipulation check

An assessment to ensure that the manipulation of the independent variable was successful.

Cohen’s d

A measure of effect size that indicates the standardized difference between two means.

Confidence interval

A range of values that is likely to include the population parameter.

Observer bias

A type of bias that occurs when a researcher's expectations influence their observations.

Placebo effects

Changes in outcomes that occur due to participants' expectations rather than actual treatment.

Regression to the mean

The phenomenon where extreme measurements tend to return closer to the average on subsequent measurements.

Attrition

Loss of participants from a study over time.

Instrumentation

Changes in measurement tools or techniques over the course of a study.

Maturation

Natural changes that occur within participants over time.

Measurement error

The degree of accuracy of the measurement that affects the dependent variable.

Individual differences

Variations among participants that can affect the results of a study.

Situation noise

Variability in the data that comes from external factors not related to the variables being studied.

Power

The probability that a study will detect an effect when there is an actual effect to be detected.

Null effects

Results that indicate no significant effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Ceiling effects

A limitation of a measure where the dependent variable cannot go beyond a certain level.

Floor effects

A limitation of a measure where the dependent variable cannot fall below a certain level.

Poor manipulation

Failure to effectively implement the independent variable in a study.

Poor measurement

Ineffective techniques or tools used to measure the dependent variable.

Experimental research

Research that manipulates one or more independent variables to determine the effects on a dependent variable.

Random assignment

Assigning participants to experimental groups randomly to ensure each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group.