Unit 2 Key Terminology

These flashcards cover key terminology from Unit 2, focusing on research methods, validity, reliability, and different sampling techniques.

Reliability

The consistency of measurement tools or methods that yield consistent results when administered repeatedly.

Validity

The extent to which a measurement accurately measures what it claims to measure.

Internal Validity

The extent that a measurement conducted within a study accurately measures or assesses what it claims to measure.

External Validity

The extent to which findings from a study can be generalized to a different setting or population.

Content Validity

The extent to which a test or measure covers all aspects of the concept it is intended to assess.

Face Validity

The degree to which a test appears to measure what it is supposed to measure.

Construct Validity

The degree to which a test truly measures the theoretical concept it is intended to measure.

Generalizability

The extent to which research findings can be applied to a different population or setting.

Researcher Bias

When a researcher’s personal values or expectations influence the research process.

Participant Bias

Occurs when participants alter their behavior due to awareness of being observed or their expectations about the study.

Reflexivity

The researcher’s awareness of their own perspectives and how these may influence the research.

Transferability

The extent to which findings can be applied or generalized to other contexts beyond the specific study.

Credibility

The degree to which research accurately represents the perceptions and opinions of participants.

True Experiment

A controlled experiment where researchers manipulate an independent variable to observe its impact.

Quasi-Experiment

A research method similar to a true experiment but lacking random assignment of participants.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in a natural setting without researcher interference.

Covert Observation

Observing participants without their knowledge to avoid altering their behavior.

Overt Observation

Observing participants openly, so they are aware they are being watched.

Participant Observation

Researchers immerse themselves in the activities of the group to gain understanding.

Non-Participant Observation

Observing a group without actively participating, maintaining an objective perspective.

Surveys/Questionnaires

A set of questions used to obtain information from respondents about a topic of interest.

Semi-Structured Interview

An interview combining open-ended and closed-ended questions for flexibility and depth.

Structured Interview

An interview method where standardized questions are asked in the same order to every participant.

Focus Group

A research method involving a small group discussion to gather diverse opinions on a topic.

Correlational Studies

Studies investigating relationships between variables without control over the setting.

Case Studies

A detailed analysis of an area of interest over time to produce context-dependent knowledge.

Self-Selected Sample

A sampling method where participants volunteer, which may introduce bias.

Opportunity Sample

A sampling method where participants are selected based on availability, which may lack representativeness.

Stratified Sample

A sampling method where the population is divided into subgroups and participants are randomly selected from each subgroup.

Random Sample

A sampling method where every individual has an equal chance of being selected.

Snowball Sample

A sampling method used for hard-to-reach populations where one participant recruits others.

Bar Graph

A visual representation of data using rectangular bars to show values of different categories.