RESEARCH CHAPTER 6

What is the focal point of a research study?

The research question.

Why should a research question be specific?

To ensure it is answerable.

What is a variable?

Something that varies and whose variation can be measured or described.

What is an independent variable (IV)?

The factor measured or manipulated to determine its relationship to the dependent variable.

What is a dependent variable (DV)?

The factor observed and measured to determine the effect of the independent variable.

What does a moderator variable do?

It modifies the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

What is an operational definition?

Precise indications on how to observe, describe, or measure the characteristics of a concept.

How should hypotheses be characterized?

They should be conceptually clear, specific, testable, and have empirical referents.

What is the principle of replication in research?

A hypothesis needs several tests with consistent support to gain broad acceptance.

What does the null hypothesis state?

That the variables in question are not related.

What is the interactive process in formulating research questions?

It is a creative process and not a fixed sequence of stages.

What must all identified variables be, according to usable hypotheses?

Clearly described using operational definitions.

What is the difference between directional and non-directional hypotheses?

Directional hypotheses indicate the predicted direction of the relationship; non-directional hypotheses do not.

What is a control variable?

Factors that are held constant by the researcher to cancel out any potential effects on the observed phenomenon.

What is an antecedent variable?

A variable that appears before the independent variable and influences it.

What is an intervening variable?

A consequence of the independent variable that determines the variation of the dependent variable.

What is the significance of negative evidence in hypothesis testing?

It is treated as more important than positive evidence in validating or disconfirming hypotheses.