Research Methods & Ethics

Set of flashcards covering key concepts in research methods and ethics from a psychology lecture.

Descriptive Methods

Research methods that provide a systematic and objective account of what is occurring.

Case Studies

Intensive examination of a few unique people or organizations.

Observational Studies

A descriptive method that involves systematically assessing and coding observable behavior.

Self-Report Studies

A descriptive method that consists of obtaining self-reports from research participants through questionnaires or surveys.

Correlational Studies

Research methods that examine how variables are naturally related without altering them or assigning causation.

Experimental Studies

Research methods that test causal hypotheses by manipulating independent variables and measuring their effects on dependent variables.

Hawthorne Effect

A phenomenon where participants alter their behavior due to being observed.

Informed Consent

The process of informing participants about a study's purpose and obtaining their agreement to participate.

Confound

Any variable that may unintentionally affect the dependent variable and vary between different experimental conditions.

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

Groups responsible for reviewing proposed research to ensure it meets ethical standards and protects participants' well-being.