Primary Research Methods

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms in primary research methods, validity, reliability, experimental design, and related concepts.

Primary method

The main approach used in a study to answer questions, including the choice of what is studied, the target population, and the sampling method (often Experiment, Case‑Study, or Correlational).

Ecological validity

The extent to which a study's conditions resemble everyday life and real-world environments, affecting generalizability.

Validity

The extent to which a method measures what it claims to measure (construct validity and face validity).

Reliability

The consistency of a measurement or procedure across time, items, or observers.

Control

Techniques used to minimize the influence of extraneous variables so that effects of the IV can be isolated.

Experiment

A research method that manipulates one or more independent variables to observe effects on dependent variables; types include lab, field, and natural/quasi.

Laboratory (lab) experiment

Conducted in a controlled environment with high control over EVs; strong for causal inference but may have low ecological validity.

Field experiment

Conducted in natural settings with higher ecological validity but less experimental control.

Natural (quasi) experiment

An experiment where the IV cannot be manipulated or participants cannot be randomly assigned.

Independent measures design

Different participants are assigned to each condition of the experiment.

Repeated measures design

Same participants participate in all conditions of the experiment.

Matched-pairs design

Pairs of similar participants are split so each member experiences a different condition, controlling for several variables.

Case-study

In-depth study of a single unit (person or small group) providing rich, longitudinal data with high ecological validity but limited generalizability.

Correlation

A statistical measure of the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables; does not by itself establish causation.

Inter-observer reliability

The degree to which different observers record the same behavior in the same way.

Primary vs. Secondary methods

Primary methods collect original data; secondary methods reuse data collected for other purposes or within another method.

Condition

A level or variation of the IV (including the absence of the IV in a control group) in an experiment.

DV (dependent variable)

The variable measured to assess the effect of the IV.

IV (independent variable)

The variable deliberately manipulated to observe its effect on the DV.

Extraneous variables (EVs)

Variables other than the IV that could affect the DV and need to be controlled or accounted for.

Replication

Repeating a study to determine if results hold under similar conditions.