evaluating quantitative studies

Lab experiments

Research methods that allow for establishing cause-effect relationships between an independent variable (IV) and a dependent variable (DV) due to controlled conditions.

Internal validity

The extent to which a study accurately establishes a causal relationship between the variables being tested.

Ecological validity

The extent to which research findings can be generalized to real-world settings and situations.

Demand characteristics

Cues in a research setting that may influence participants' behavior because they are aware they are being studied.

Field experiments

Research conducted in real-world settings, which generally increases external validity.

Extraneous variables

Variables other than the independent variable that may affect the dependent variable, potentially compromising the study's results.

Quasi-experiments

Research methods that involve comparison without random assignment, often used to study influences of pre-existing groups.

Causality

The relationship between cause and effect; determining whether changes in one variable cause changes in another.

Natural experiments

Studies that investigate effects of naturally occurring events or conditions without manipulation of variables.

Ethical validity

The degree to which research methods align with ethical guidelines and consider the well-being of participants.

Correlational research

A method that examines the relationship between two or more variables without finding cause-and-effect.

Social desirability bias

The tendency for survey respondents to answer questions in a manner that they think will be viewed favorably by others.

Standardised questions

Consistent and uniform questions used in research to ensure that the same information is collected from all participants.

Test-retest reliability

A measure of reliability assessed by administering the same test to the same participants at different times.

Split-half reliability

A method used to assess the internal consistency of a test by comparing two halves of the test.

Open questions

Questions that allow respondents to provide detailed, elaborated responses rather than just selecting from predetermined options.