Experimental design

What is the primary purpose of experimental research?

To demonstrate cause and effect relationships by determining if one factor influences another.

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

The research variable that is manipulated to test its impact on another variable.

What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

The research variable that changes or varies as a result of the independent variable.

What are extraneous variables?

Variables not included in a specific study but likely to influence the dependent variable.

What is a treatment group?

The experimental group that receives the treatment in an experiment.

What is a control group?

The non-treatment group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.

What is random assignment in experimental research?

The process by which participants are assigned to a group by chance, allowing for objectivity.

What is a placebo in the context of experimental research?

A substance or treatment with no actual effect that is administered as a control.

What is a single-blind study?

A study in which researchers know group assignments but participants are unaware.

What is a double-blind study?

A study in which neither the subjects nor the researchers know the group assignments.

What is generalizability in research?

The degree to which study findings may be applied to a larger population.

What is random sampling?

A method of selecting participants by chance to increase generalizability.

What is quota sampling?

A method that includes only certain groups to ensure appropriate representation.

What is convenience sampling?

A sampling method based on the availability of participants as volunteers.

Why is sample size important in research?

A larger sample size increases the accuracy and confidence in the generalizability of results.

What factor affects the generalizability of research results related to timeliness?

The study must be recent enough to be useful and applicable to current populations.