Set 3: The Scientific Method and Research Methods

Empirical Evidence

Scientific evidence from observation and experimentation.

Scientific Method

Make an observation and ask a question, conduct background research, form a hypothesis, test the hypothesis with an experiment, analyze the data, and draw a conclusion.

Theory

An explanation that organizes observations and predicts behaviors.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction derived from a theory, or an educated guess.

Falsifiable

A hypothesis that can be disproven by data.

Replication

Repeating a study to confirm findings.

Reliability

Producing consistent results when repeated.

Operational Definition

A precise statement of the procedures used in a study.

Experiment

Manipulating one or more factors (independent variables) to observe effects on behavior (dependent variable).

Peer Review

Evaluation of research by other scientists in the field.

Experimental Group

The group exposed to the treatment.

Control Group

The group not exposed to the treatment, used for comparison.

Independent Variable (IV)

The manipulated factor.

RQ: Does sleep affect test scores?

IV is the amount of time a student sleeps.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome measured.

RQ: Does sleep affect test scores?

DV is the test score.

Research Question (RQ)

A specific question that a study is designed to answer.

Confounding Variable

Any factor other than the IV that may influence results.

Placebo Effect

When a person's physical or mental health improves after they receive a treatment with no active medical properties, like a sugar pill, simply because they believe it is a real treatment.

Single-blind Procedure

Participants do not know which group they’re in.

Double-blind Procedure

Neither participants nor researchers know group assignments.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance.

Random Sampling

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Generalization

A conclusion drawn from specific information that is used to make a broad statement about a topic or person.

Quantitative Research

Numerical data

Qualitative Research

Descriptive data, including things like structured interviews.

Case Study

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Survey

A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group

Meta-analysis

A "study of studies" that combines the findings of multiple studies to arrive at a conclusion

Correlational Study

Measures the relationship between two variables.

Sample

A subset of the population.

Population

The entire group being studied.

Convenience Sampling

Choosing participants who are easiest to reach.

Representative Sample

Accurately reflects characteristics of the population.

Random Sample

Every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Likert Scales

Rating scale used to measure opinions or attitudes.

Strongly Disagree — Disagree —- Neutral — Agree — Strongly Agree