Independent and Dependent Variables in Research

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to independent and dependent variables, research methodologies, and validity types to aid in exam preparation.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that the researcher manipulates or changes in a controlled way to test its impact.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is observed or measured; its value depends on changes to the independent variable.

Cause-and-Effect Relationships

Relationships that determine how one variable (the independent variable) affects another variable (the dependent variable).

Sensitivity

The probability of a positive test result when the condition is truly present.

Specificity

The probability of a negative test result when the condition is truly absent.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

The hypothesis that there is no effect or relationship between specified variables.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

The hypothesis that there is an effect or relationship between specified variables.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Internal Validity

The degree to which the results of a study can be attributed to the treatment, rather than other variables.

External Validity

The degree to which research findings can be generalized to settings or populations beyond the study.

Quantitative Research

Research that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data.

Qualitative Research

Research that involves descriptive, open-ended data that is non-numerical.

Experimental Study

Research that involves manipulating one or more variables to test cause-and-effect relationships.

Systematic Review

A study that examines multiple studies on a specific topic to draw an overall conclusion.

Meta-analysis

A study that combines results from multiple high-quality studies to provide a comprehensive answer.