Lecture Notes: Research Methods - Key Vocabulary (Hindsight Bias to Random Sampling)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key research-method terms from the provided notes.

hindsight bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it (also known as the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon).

theory

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.

hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

operational definition

A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study;

replication

Repeating the essence of a research study with different participants in different situations to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced.

case study

A descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth to reveal universal principles.

naturalistic observation

A descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without manipulating the situation.

survey

A descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative random sample of the group.

sampling bias

A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample.

population

All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.

random sample

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.