Research Methods and Statistics

This set of flashcards reviews key concepts from research methods and statistics, including definitions of terms, descriptions of variables, and the relationship between populations, samples, and statistics.

What do researchers typically use sample statistics as a basis for?

Drawing conclusions about population parameters.

What is the issue with using sample statistics?

A sample provides only limited information about the population.

What is the discrepancy called that occurs between a sample statistic and a population parameter?

Sampling error.

What does sampling error refer to?

The naturally occurring discrepancy between a sample statistic and the corresponding population parameter.

In the context of research, a group of students' average meal consumption is an example of a __________.

Statistic.

The entire group of Canada geese in New York during migration is an example of a __________.

Population.

What is a population in research terms?

The set of all individuals of interest in a particular study.

What is a sample?

A set of individuals selected from a population, intended to represent that population.

In a research study, what does a parameter represent?

A value that describes a population.

Define 'statistic'.

A value that describes a sample.

What are descriptive statistics?

Statistical procedures used to summarize, organize, and simplify data.

What do inferential statistics help researchers do?

Make generalizations about a population from sample data.

What are common techniques used in descriptive statistics?

Organizing scores in tables or graphs, computing averages.

What is the average score on the verbal SAT standardized to?

500.

What is the relationship between a sample and a statistic?

A statistic describes data taken from a sample.

What is the relationship between a population and a parameter?

A parameter describes data from the entire population.

How does a sample relate to a parameter?

There is no direct relationship.

How do inferential and descriptive data function in research?

Inferential data creates generalizations about a population, descriptive data organizes data.

Why are operational definitions developed for constructs?

Constructs aren't measurable by observation; operational definitions define the scales of measurement.

What is a discrete variable?

A variable that consists of separate, indivisible categories.

Give an example of a discrete variable. The number of questions answered correctly on a quiz.

No values can exist between two neighboring categories.

Define continuous variables.

Variables with an infinite number of possible values between any two observed values.

What are real limits?

Boundaries of intervals for scores represented on a continuous number line.

Why are real limits necessary?

To accurately measure continuous variables.

What is a nominal scale?

Categories with different names but no quantitative order.

What is an ordinal scale?

Categories with names and a quantitative order.

What is an interval scale?

Numerical measurements with equal intervals, where zero doesn't signify absence of quantity.

What is a ratio scale?

Ordered categories with equal intervals, where zero means the absence of what is measured.

What defines a construct?

Internal attributes or characteristics that cannot be directly observed but describe behavior.

What is the purpose of operational definitions?

To define a construct in terms of observable and measurable external behaviors.

List two factors of a continuous variable.

1. Rare identical measurements for two individuals. 2. Identification of measurement categories on the scale.

When measuring height to the nearest half inch, what are the real limits for a score of 69.0 inches?

68.75 and 69.25 inches.

Ranking cities in terms of 'quality of life' would be measurement on a(n) __________ scale.

Ordinal.

Define 'datum'.

A single measurement or observation, also called a score.

What is the plural of 'datum'?

Data.

What is a data set?

A collection of measurements or observations.

Statistics is described as a set of __________ procedures for organizing, summarizing, and interpreting information.

Mathematical.

What is the main goal a researcher aims for when using a sample?

To generalize results to the entire population.

A variable is defined as __________.

A characteristic or condition that changes or has different values for different individuals.

What influences a variable in research?

It can influence individuals or their behavior.

What are two types of data in research?

Descriptive data and inferential data.

How does a sample relate to generalization in research?

Data from the sample is used to infer conclusions about the population.