Research Methods in Design

Flashcards covering research methods, experimental design, variables, sampling, and ethical considerations in psychological research.

Experimental Methodology

A systematic approach carried out under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis and establish a causal relationship between independent and dependent variables.

Non-Experimental Methodologies

Used in research where a controlled experiment isn't possible or ethical; describes behaviors but cannot explain them or establish causal relationships.

Case Study

Examines an individual, group, event, or situation to provide detailed information and insight.

Hawthorne Effect

When a subject alters their behavior because they know they are being observed.

Correlational Studies

Studies that allow researchers to gain insight into the relationship between two variables and determine the strength of the relationship.

Correlation vs. Causation

The concept that correlation does not equal causation; insight into causation can only be found through controlled experiments.

Third Variable Problem

When an outside variable impacts the study that was not accounted for when creating the study's parameters.

Meta-Analysis

A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies on the same topic to reach a conclusion.

Naturalistic Observation

When researchers observe individuals in a real-world setting to gather authentic data.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

Theory

Supported by data from completed research that explains a question, thought, or phenomenon.

Falsifiable

The ability for a hypothesis to be proven wrong.

Operational Definitions

Outlines the exact procedures used and how variables are measured or manipulated in the study.

Independent Variable

What is being manipulated or controlled by the researcher; the cause.

Dependent Variable

The outcome of what is being measured in the study; the effect.

Confounding Variables

Factors other than the independent variable that could impact the dependent variable; variables that the researcher was not able to remove from the experiment or study.

Population

Refers to the entire group that the research is studying.

Sample

The selected group of individuals in a population that are selected to represent the population in the study.

Random Sampling

When each individual in a population has an equal chance of participating in the study.

Stratified Sampling

When the population is divided into different subcategories and a random sample is taken from each subcategory.

Sampling Bias

When the sample group representing the population in the study does not accurately represent the entire population.

Convenience Sampling

When individuals are selected to participate in a study based on their availability.

Generalizability

The extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to the larger population.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the independent variable.

Control Group/Placebo Group

Gets a placebo which is something as close as possible to the independent variable but is missing a key component of the independent variable.

Placebo

Something that is as close as possible to the independent variable but is missing a key component of the independent variable.

Random Assignment

When participants are randomly assigned to be part of the control or experimental group.

Quasi-Experiment

An experiment that does not include the random assignment of participants.

Single-Blind Procedure

When the participants in the study do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group, which helps prevent social desirability bias and the placebo effect.

Social Desirability Bias

When participants skew their answers to create a more favorable impression of themselves.

Placebo Effect

When an individual's physical or mental state improves after taking a placebo because the individual believes they are taking the real drug or substance.

Double-Blind Procedure

When both the participants and researchers do not know who is in the experimental group or control group.

Experimenter Bias

When the researchers’ expectations, preferences, or beliefs influence the outcome of the study.

Qualitative Measures

Collects non-numerical data that provide detailed descriptive insights into participants' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Structured Interviews

Are where researchers ask open-ended questions that allow the participant to provide an in-depth answer about their perspective and experiences.

Quantitative Measures

Collect numerical data that can be statistically analyzed to identify different relationships, patterns, and differences.

Likert Scale

Has participants rate their agreement with statements on a scale to provide the researcher with quantifiable data on the participant's attitudes or opinions.

Informed Consent

Participants have to understand the necessary information to make an informed decision, must also understand the risks of the study, and of course, be free to choose whether or not they want to participate.

Informed Assent

When the participant is not legally able to provide full consent on their own, typically because they are a minor.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Was created to protect human participants and all colleges and universities use the IRB to conduct any experiments or research studies in psychology.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Regulates and oversees animal care and research, teaching, and testing with animals.

Peer Review

Is where other experts in the field assess the study's methodology, data, and conclusions before it is published.

Replication

Involves other individuals conducting the study again, which allows others to check the original findings and verify the results.