Multivariate Correlational Research

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary and concepts related to multivariate correlational research.

Bivariate Correlation

A correlation involving two variables.

Longitudinal Design

A study that measures the same variables in the same subjects at different points in time.

Cross-Sectional Correlation

A correlation between two variables measured at the same time.

Auto-Correlation

The correlation of one variable with itself measured at two different times.

Cross-Lag Correlation

A correlation between an earlier measure of one variable and a later measure of another variable.

Temporal Precedence

The concept that the cause precedes the effect in time.

Internal Validity

The extent to which a study can establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

Statistical Control

Holding a potential third variable at a constant level while investigating the association between two other variables.

Multiple Regression

A statistical technique that computes the relationship between a predictor variable and a criterion variable, controlling for other variables.

Mediation

A process that helps explain the relationship between two other variables.

Moderator

A variable that affects the strength or direction of the relationship between a predictor and an outcome.

Third Variable Problem

A situation where an unobserved variable affects both the independent and dependent variables.

Pattern and Parsimony

The idea that theories that can explain a variety of observations with fewer assumptions are preferred.

Causal Criteria

The three criteria needed to establish a causal relationship: association, temporal precedence, and internal validity.

Attrition

The loss of participants over time in a longitudinal study.

Statistical Imputation

A technique for filling in missing data based on existing data.

Cohort Effects

Variations in behavior and attitudes of a group that arise from their shared experiences.

Illusory Correlation

The perception of a relationship that does not exist.

Account for Variability

To explain the portion of variability in a dependent variable due to independent variables.

Regression Output

Results generated from a regression analysis that provides estimates of the relationships between variables.

Data-Driven

An approach that uses data to inform and guide decision-making.

Theory-Data Cycle

The ongoing process of developing theories based on data and then testing and refining those theories.

Causal Case

A strong argument supporting a causal relationship based on evidence.

Variable

Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted.

Dependent Variable

The outcome variable that researchers are trying to predict or explain.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or categorized to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Control for Variables

To account for the influence of other variables in a statistical analysis.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulation.

Sampling Bias

A bias that occurs when the sample is not representative of the population from which it was drawn.

Operational Definition

A statement of the procedures used to define research variables.

Confounding Variable

An extraneous factor that interferes with the action of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Statistical Significance

A determination of whether or not the results of a study are likely due to chance.

Confidence Interval

A range of values that is believed to contain the true value of a parameter with a certain level of confidence.

Non-Experimental Design

A research design where the researcher does not manipulate the independent variable.

Sample Size

The number of observations or replicates included in a statistical sample.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistics that summarize or describe characteristics of a data set.

Variable Relationships

Connections or associations found between different variables in a study.

Longitudinal Studies

Research that follows the same subjects over a long period.

Research Ethics

Principles that guide the conduct of researchers to ensure the integrity and welfare of research subjects.

Data Collection Methods

Techniques used to gather data for analysis.

Construct Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Factorial Design

An experimental setup that investigates the effects of two or more factors simultaneously.

Quasi-Experiment

An experimental design that lacks random assignment.

Statistical Power

The probability of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis, or the ability to detect an effect when there is one.

Effect Size

A measure of the strength of the relationship between two variables.

Peer Review

The process of subjecting research findings to the scrutiny of others in the field before publication.

Simulation Study

An experimentally-designed study that uses simulation to evaluate the effectiveness or impact of different variables.

Random Sampling

Selecting a subset of individuals from a statistical population in such a way that each individual has an equal chance of being chosen.

Blinding

A method to prevent bias by keeping study participants and/or researchers unaware of which treatment participants receive.

Research Design

The overall strategy that a researcher chooses to integrate the different components of the study.