Chap 3 - DEVELOPING IDEAS FOR RESEARCH

Applied Research

Research that has direct and immediate relevance to solving a real-world problem.

Basic Research

Study a phenomenon for the sake of just learning about it; often provides the foundation for applied research.

Translational Research

A merging of applied and basic research.

Laboratory Research

Research conducted in a lab that allows for greater control and easier informed consent.

Field Research

Research that takes place outside of a lab setting, closely matching real-life environments.

Experimental Realism

Refers to how engaged subjects become in the study.

Mundane Realism

Refers to how closely a study reflects real-life experiences; considered less important than experimental realism.

Operational Definitions

Exact definitions of constructs involved in your study and descriptions of procedures used.

Construct

A hypothetical factor that cannot be directly observed; inferred through study.

Converging Operations

Occurs when results from multiple studies, each using different operational definitions, arrive at the same conclusion.

Theory

A set of logically consistent statements about behavior that summarizes existing observations and provides tentative explanations.

Hypothesis

A specific prediction about the outcome of a study that is derived from a theory.

Deduction

The process of deriving a specific hypothesis from a general theory.

Induction

Using the results of a study to support or refute a theory, moving from specific observations to general conclusions.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach that includes choosing a theory, developing a hypothesis, and analyzing data to support or refute the hypothesis.

Productivity (in theory)

The ability of a theory to advance knowledge by generating substantial research.

Falsification

The principle that a theory must be capable of being proven false.

Parsimony (in theory)

The preference for the theory with the least number of assumptions necessary to explain behavior adequately.