Lecture Notes: Research Methods and Related Topics

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on reasoning, the scientific method, research types, variables, and related topics.

Deductive reasoning

Reasoning that derives specific conclusions from general premises; uses syllogisms.

Inductive reasoning

A general conclusion drawn from specific observations; example: if observed dogs are friendly, all dogs are friendly.

The Scientific Method

A careful, objective, systematic, and structured process for solving problems or answering questions.

Independent Variable

What the researcher deliberately changes to study its effect; the cause in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

What the researcher measures to assess the effect of the independent variable; the outcome.

Research Question

Must be stated in terms of independent and dependent variables.

Research Hypothesis

An educated guess about the study outcome; a testable prediction.

Internal Validity

The extent to which observed changes in the dependent variable are caused by manipulation of the independent variable rather than other factors.

External Validity

The extent to which study results generalize to the population represented by the participants.

Data

Recorded observations collected objectively and using consistent procedures; all participants receive the same instructions.

Quantitative Research

Research with numerical dependent variables; data analyzed statistically.

Qualitative Research

Research with non-numerical dependent variables; uses observations, interviews, and textual data.

Basic Research

Research conducted to discover new knowledge, with little regard for immediate application.

Applied Research

Research driven by the need to solve a specific problem and achieve practical applications.

Experimental Research

Aims to confirm or refute cause–effect relationships by measuring the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Translational Research

Research that translates basic findings into human applications, often starting with animal studies to ensure safety and efficacy.

Descriptive Research

Provides detailed descriptions of populations, groups, or individuals; may be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.

Case Study

Descriptive research focused on an individual with unique characteristics.

Correlational Research

Descriptive research evaluating relationships between two or more variables; sometimes used for prediction.

Analytical Research

Descriptive or qualitative research that systematically evaluates existing information; meta-analysis is a quantitative form.

Meta-analysis

A quantitative approach for analyzing a body of literature to derive overall findings.

Scientific Theory

An explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by numerous studies; well-tested and not a guess.

Strength of a Scientific Theory

Depends on how extensively it has been tested under different conditions; can be refined with more research.

Pilot testing

A small-scale preliminary study to assess feasibility and refine methods before a full study.

Questionably Funded Research

Research funded with questionable value; examples include studies on love and on aggressive behavior in drunk fish.