Research Methods Midterm Ultimate Study Guide

Covariance / Correlation

The statistical relationship or association between the Independent Variable (IV) and the Dependent Variable (DV).

Temporal Precedence

The requirement that the cause must occur before the effect in time during an experiment.

Internal Validity

The degree to which a study can establish a causal relationship, ruling out alternative explanations.

Random Assignment

A procedure that gives every participant an equal chance to be placed in any experimental or control group.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome measure that is observed and measured in an experiment for changes.

Empirical Meta-analyses

Studies that systematically review and synthesize research findings from multiple studies.

Construct Validity

The extent to which a test measures the concept it intends to measure.

External Validity

The degree to which the findings of a study can be generalized to other contexts, populations, or settings.

Statistical Conclusion Validity

The extent to which statistical conclusions derived from a study are accurate and reliable.

Face Validity

The extent to which a test appears to measure what it's supposed to measure, based on a superficial examination.

Test-Retest Reliability

The consistency of a measure across time, evaluated by administering the same test to the same sample at two different points in time.

Internal Consistency Reliability

The degree to which different items on the same test correlate with each other at a single time point.

Interrater Reliability

The degree to which different raters or observers give consistent estimates of the same phenomenon.

Socially Desirable Responding

The tendency of survey respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others.

Acquiescence Bias

The tendency for survey respondents to agree with statements as presented, regardless of their actual beliefs.

Ceiling Effect

When the independent variable manipulation causes all test scores to cluster at the maximum possible limit.

Floor Effect

When the independent variable manipulation causes all test scores to cluster at the minimum possible limit.