Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology

Research

Systematic search for knowledge or information.

Empirical Research

Research based on observed and measured phenomena.

Replicable Research

Findings must be validated through repeated studies.

Descriptive Research

Research that describes phenomena without variable control.

Correlational Research

Research assessing relationships between variables without manipulation.

Induction

Reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions.

Deduction

Reasoning from general principles to specific instances.

Research Purpose

To explore, explain, and describe phenomena.

Theory

A system of ideas intended to explain something.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Observation

Method of gathering data by watching subjects.

Interviews

Data collection method involving direct questioning.

Case Study

In-depth analysis of a single subject or group.

Introspection

Examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings.

Sampling

Selecting a subset of individuals from a population.

Data Collection

Gathering information for analysis and interpretation.

Data Analysis

Process of inspecting, cleansing, and modeling data.

External Validity

Extent to which findings apply to real-world settings.

Concrete Data

Tangible information used to support research findings.

Scientific Method

Systematic procedure for investigating phenomena.

Natural Phenomena

Events or processes observable in the natural world.

Research Statement

A clear, concise statement of the research focus.

Variable Control

Managing variables to isolate effects in research.

Systematic Research

Structured steps following specific rules and order.

Behavioral Research

Investigates individual behavior and social interactions.

Falsifiability

Hypothesis can be proven false through testing.

Parsimony

Seeking simplest explanation without assumptions.

Experimental Research

Manipulates independent variables to observe dependent variables.

Correlational Study

Analyzes relationships between variables to predict behavior.

Research Paradigm

Framework of beliefs guiding research methodology.

Theory Testing Research

Proves or disproves theories with supporting evidence.

Research Statement

Describes effect of variables on a dependent variable.

Paradigm Shift

Change in societal understanding and organization of reality.

Empirical Evidence

Data obtained through observation and experimentation.

Deterministic World

Assumes events are determined by preceding factors.

Replicability

Research results must be repeatable by others.

Ontology

Study of existence and nature of reality.

Epistemology

Study of knowledge and how it is acquired.

Methodology

Systematic approach to research methods and techniques.

Axiology

Study of values and ethics in research.

Independent Variable (IV)

Variable manipulated to observe effects on dependent variable.

Dependent Variable (DV)

Variable measured to assess impact of independent variable.

Hypothesis

Proposed explanation for a phenomenon to be tested.

Social Behavior

Actions influenced by social interactions and contexts.

Psychological Research

Scientific study of mind and behavior.

Research Philosophy

Underlying principles guiding research practices.

Ontological

Concerned with the nature of reality and existence.

Determinism

Events are caused by natural phenomena.

Ontology

Beliefs about the nature of reality.

Empiricism

Knowledge derived from sensory experience.

Replicability

Findings must be reproducible for reliability.

Modernism

Focus on objectivity and rationalism for truth.

Causal explanation

Defining antecedents and consequences of phenomena.

Qualitative research

Explores multiple realities from various perspectives.

Epistemological

Search for foundations of human knowledge.

Epistemology

Study of knowledge and its validity.

Methodological

Strategy guiding choice of research methods.

Experimental research

Involves manipulation of variables to test hypotheses.

Survey research

Collects data through questionnaires from participants.

Correlational research

Examines relationships between variables without manipulation.

Realist ontology

Belief in an objective reality governed by laws.

Subjectivity

Personal perspectives influencing interpretation of reality.

Natural causes

Events explained by observable phenomena.

Supernatural causes

Events beyond natural explanation or understanding.

Rationalism

Knowledge gained through logical reasoning.

Multiple realities

Acknowledgment of diverse perspectives in research.

Social progress

Advancement through application of scientific theories.

Mathematical methods

Techniques used to confirm causal inferences.

Axiological

Ethical considerations in research methodology.

Epistemology

Study of knowledge and justified belief.

Methodology

Systematic approach to research design.

Postmodernism

Philosophical perspective rejecting absolute truths.

Ontology

Study of being and existence.

Dualist/Objectivist Epistemology

Knowledge viewed as independent of observer.

Cause-Effect Laws

Generalizations explaining relationships between variables.

Experimental Methodology

Research involving controlled empirical tests.

Falsification

Testing hypotheses by attempting to disprove them.

Pluralistic Epistemology

Utilizing multiple ways of knowing.

Social Constructionism

Reality shaped by social processes and interactions.

Critical Perspective

Analyzing power dynamics and social injustices.

Naive Realism

Belief in a single objective reality.

Modernism

Philosophy emphasizing absolute truths and objectivity.

Post-Positivism

Acknowledges limitations of knowledge and objectivity.

Research Proposal

Document outlining planned research methodology.

Non-Interactive Posture

Researcher maintains distance from subjects.

Ethical Implications

Consequences of research decisions on society.

Immutable Natural Laws

Unchanging principles governing natural phenomena.

Diverse Social Reality

Understanding that reality is varied and dynamic.

Biasing Factors

Elements that may distort research outcomes.

Self-Thinking Promotion

Encouragement of independent thought in research.

Context-Free Generalizations

Broad statements applicable across different situations.

Historical Influence

Impact of past movements on current thought.

Ontology

Study of the nature of reality.

Relativist

Belief that knowledge is context-dependent.

Objectivist Epistemology

Knowledge gained through objective research methods.

Methodology

Systematic approach to conducting research.

Experimental Methodology

Involves manipulating variables to observe effects.

Postmodernism

Rejects fixed, universal foundations of reality.

Culturally Dependent Reality

Reality varies across cultures and communities.

Subjectivist Epistemology

Knowledge is shaped by individual interpretations.