Non-Experimental Research

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on Non-Experimental Research, including definitions, types, methods, and significant problems in research.

What is non-experimental research?

Research where no manipulation of the independent variable occurs and variables are measured as they naturally occur.

When should non-experimental research be used?

When the research question relates to a single variable, non-causal relationships, or causal relationships where the independent variable cannot be manipulated.

What are the three goals of science in the context of research?

Describe, predict, and explain.

What are the two main categories of non-experimental research?

Correlational research and observational research.

What does correlational research measure?

It measures two variables and assesses the degree of association between them.

What is the significance of Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (r)?

It ranges from -1.00 to +1.00, indicating the strength and direction of a correlation.

What does a correlation coefficient of 0 indicate?

No correlation between the two variables.

What two problems can arise in correlational research?

The directionality problem and the third-variable problem.

What is the purpose of factor analysis?

To organize variables into clusters that are strongly correlated within each cluster but weakly correlated between clusters.

What is qualitative research primarily focused on?

Less focused research questions with large amounts of unfiltered data leading to detailed participant experiences.

What are some data collection methods in qualitative research?

Interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and case studies.

What is the Hawthorne effect?

When participants alter their behavior because they are aware they are being observed.

What does mixed-methods research involve?

Combining quantitative and qualitative research to study the same questions and compare results.

What are case studies useful for in research?

In-depth examination of individuals, groups, or events, especially for studying rare conditions.

What is the primary limitation of qualitative research?

Limited generalizability due to often small and non-representative samples.

What is a grounded theory approach in qualitative research?

Starting with data to develop a theory that is grounded in the observed data.