M2 Research Methods

Definitions and Meanings

Scientific method

a way to answer questions using empirical evidence.

variables

The qualities that are being observed and recorded in the data are the

operational definition

is a definition of the variable in concrete measurable terms

Questionnaires

self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a group…Usually, surveys/questionnaires assess one or more variables in a quantitative
manner or in a way that will be turned into numbers.

Quick and easy
• Can be standardized.
• Allow the mind and behavior to be assessed quantitatively and analyzed with statistics.

Wording effect - Subtle changes in wording can have major effects on answers.
• People can lie or be wrong.
• Require careful design and testing for validity and reliability.
• Often do not reveal the true complexity and depth of an individual

Laboratory research

In a lab, the researcher can control what the subjects experience. This is often a very important goal, especially in experimental studies

Empirical Questions

1.Observability: The question pertains to phenomena that can be
observed or measured.
2.Falsifiability: The question allows for hypotheses (predictions) that can
be potentially disproven through evidence.
3.Specificity: The question is clearly defined and focused on specific
variables or relationships.

Descriptive studies

Simply describe a person or group of people. Often in depth or in an exploratory way

Correlational studies

Measure at least two different variables and see if and how they are associated.

Experimental studies

Manipulate, or vary, variables to test if changing one variable causes changes in other variables.

Correlation coefficient

Mathematical expression of the
relationship
• Ranges from −1.00 to +1.00
• 0 indicates no relationship

Independent variable

Variable that is manipulated in an experiment. The variable researchers think may cause an effect on another variable.

Dependent variable

Variable that is measured in a study (level of depression) to see if it depends on the Ievel.

Confounding variables

Things that undermine the ability of researchers to draw causal conclusions

Significance Testing

In statistics, significance means that the result is unlikely to have occurred just by chance.

The Ethics of Research

Benefits Outweighs Risk of Harm

Humane care of animals

Researcher bias and conflicts of interest

Honesty