Quantitative Research Terms

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27 Terms

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Quantitative Research
method of research that relies on measuring variables using a numerical system.

(quantitative = quantity)
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Variables
any characteristic that is objectively registered and quantified.
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Constructs
theoretically defined variables. To define a construct, you muct separate it from similar constructs.
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Operationalization
expressing a construct in terms of observable behavior, makes it clear what is being measured.
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Independent Variable (IV)
variable that is being manipulated by researcher.
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Dependent Variable (DV)
how the condition changes based on what changed in the IV.
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Controls
variables that are constant and don’t change, they are controlled and make sure to not affect the IV and DV.
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Hypothesis
**predicts how the IV affects the DV**

Null Hypothesis: no relationship - results are just due to chance

Experimental Hypothesis: there IS a cause-and-effect relationship.
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Extraneous Variables
variables that can distort relationships between the IV and the DV.
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True Lab Experiment
randomlly allocated (split) participants into control groups and experimental groups.
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Field Experiments
studies conducted in the real world yet researchers can still manipulate the study (is in an environment that is not a lab).
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Quasi Experiments
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purposefully put people of race/gender into specific groups in order to test stereotypes 
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Natural Experiments
beyond the control of researcher, they are just observing. Cannot establish a cause-&-effect relationship.
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Demand Characteristics
when participants act differently because they know the intention of the study. 
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Expectancy Effect
 participants aim to guess the hypothesis in order to “help” the researcher by acting in a certain way.
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Screw-You Effect
participant attempts to detect the hypothesis in order to purposefully throw off the study.
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Social Desireability
When a participant attempts to present themselves in a generally favorable manner, in order to conceal their true opinions.
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Researcher Bias
when researchers expectations affect the result of the study, *double blind control* can help with this (where participant and researcher don’t know who is in what condition).
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Participant Variability
when characteristics of the participant affect the dependent variable.
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Correlational Studies
**(ex: surveys, questionnaires, naturalistic observations)** Variables are NOT manipulated, but data is still collected in order to show that there is a relationship between them.

__Positive/Negative correlation:__ they change together or co-vary.
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Correlation
* Tests association between variables.


*  variables are ONLY observed ( no manipulation by researcher ).
* Limited control allows other variables to be present.
* High external validity.
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Statistical Significance
the likelihood that your data has a cause-and-effect relationship. Shows how reliable you data is. If it is GREATER than 5%, it is considered to be “non-reliable”.
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Independent Measures Design
random allocation of (dividing of) participants into control and experimental groups and then a comparison of the two groups. So only the IV differs in each. 
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Matched Pairs Design
Participants are tested on a variable, matched up based on performance & then split up between the 2 conditions (to balance both conditions out).  

**Example**:  a researcher testing a new Alzheimer's disease drug matched up participants of the same age & intelligence, then randomly assigned a person per pair to a group receiving the drug (experimental group) and the other person from the pair to the group that will not receive it (control group).
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Repeated Measures Design
where each condition of the experiment uses the same group of participants. Goal is to compare the CONDITIONS rather than the groups.

**Example**: in a candy taste test, the researcher would want every participant to taste and rate each type of candy.
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Order Effects
occurs when the participants' responses are affected by the ORDER in which the conditions of the experiment were presented to them.
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Counterbalancing
where the participant sample is divided in half - one half completing the experiment in a specific order, and the other half completing the experiment in REVERSE order.