Chapter 6: Non-Experimental Research

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to non-experimental research as outlined in Chapter 6.

Non-experimental research

Research that lacks the manipulation of an independent variable.

Independent variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated in experimental research.

Causal conclusions

Statements about cause-and-effect relationships.

Internal validity

The extent to which a study's design supports the conclusion that changes in the independent variable caused observed differences in the dependent variable.

Correlational research

Research focusing on the statistical relationship between two variables without manipulating an independent variable.

Observational research

Research that focuses on making observations of behavior in either natural or laboratory settings without manipulation.

Cross-sectional studies

Studies that compare two or more pre-existing groups of people.

Longitudinal studies

Studies that follow one group of people over time.

Cross-sequential studies

Studies that combine elements of cross-sectional and longitudinal designs.

Quantitative research

Research characterized by data that consist of numbers analyzed using statistical techniques.

Qualitative research

Research where data are non-numerical and cannot be analyzed using statistical techniques.

Thematic analysis

A qualitative analysis approach that identifies themes that emerge from the data.

Participant observation

Research where the researcher actively engages with the group or context being studied.

Naturalistic observation

Observing behavior in the environment in which it typically occurs without interference.

Reactivity

Changes in participants' behavior due to awareness of being observed.

Hawthorne effect

A type of reactivity where participants alter their behavior because they know they are being observed.

Case study

An in-depth examination of an individual or social unit.

Archival research

Analyzing data that have already been collected for another purpose.

Factor analysis

A statistical technique that organizes a large number of variables into a smaller number of clusters.

Regression analysis

A statistical technique used to predict one variable based on one or multiple other variables.

Pearson's r

A statistic that measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two quantitative variables.

Third-variable problem

When a statistical relationship between two variables is explained by a third variable.

Directionality problem

The inability to determine which of two correlated variables is the cause and which is the effect.

Qualitative finding

Insights or patterns derived from qualitative research that describe the experiences of participants.

Mixed-methods research

Research that combines both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Descriptive research

Research aimed at documenting phenomena as they occur.

Exploratory research

Research conducted to explore a phenomenon rather than to test a specific hypothesis.

Population

The entire group that you want to draw conclusions about.

Sample

A subset of the population from which data are collected.

Data collection methods

Techniques used to gather information for research purposes.

Ethical considerations

Guidelines to ensure respect and protection for research participants.

Phenomenological analysis

A qualitative analysis approach focusing on the lived experiences of participants.