Research Methods Exam

Deductive reasoning

uses syllogisms with a conclusion drawn from two premises

inductive reasoning

a general conclusion is drawn from an observation

scientific method

1. understanding the problem

2. identifying the research question

3. formulating a hypothesis

4. designing methods for the study

5. collecting the data

6. analyzing data

7. interpreting and discussing the results

deriving conclusions from the results

internal validity

extent to which any changes measured in the dependent variables can be directly attributed to manipulation of the independent variables

external validity

extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to the population represent the participants in the study

scientific theory

explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on numerous research studies all confirming a given phenomenon

basic research

conducted to expand our knowledge rather than to solve a specific problem

applied research

driven by need to find a solution

Quantitative Research

dependent variables are numerical

Qualitative Research

dependent variables are non-numerical

experiemental research

confirms or refutes cause-or-effect relationship

translational research

specific to studies in which a finding from basic research is first investigated in humans

descriptive research

provides detailed useful description of characteristics of a population, a group, or an individual

correlational research

conducted to evaluate the relationship between 2 or more variables

analytical research

involves systematic evaluation of existing info with the goal of advancing new understanding of that info

experimental research

exploring cause-effect relationships between 2 or more variables

Independent variable

variable of interest that is under study

dependent variable

what researcher measures

validity

ability of a study to faithfully reflect the true state of variables being studied in population of interest

experimental research designs types

pre-experimental designs:

true experimental designs

quasi-experimental designs

does basic descriptive research involve experimental manipulation?

No

types of descriptive studies

case study, correlational, survey, and developmental studies