Research Methods II - Methodology Flashcards

This set covers data types, measurement scales, variable terminology (IV/DV), correlation concepts, operational definitions, and examples for common terms to help prepare for the exam.

What are the two broad data types described in the notes, and how do they differ?

Quantitative data are measurable and used for empirical analysis; Qualitative data are descriptive and used for case studies.

What is a Likert scale and what does it measure?

A five- or seven-point agreement scale used to measure attitudes or opinions.

What are IV and DV with examples from the notes?

Independent Variable (IV) is added/changed by the experimenter (e.g., violent TV); Dependent Variable (DV) is the measured response or behavior (e.g., aggressive play).

What does the correlation coefficient (r) indicate?

Direction of the relationship and the strength of the relationship between two variables.

What is a key caution about correlation and causation?

Correlation does not prove causation.

What is illusory correlation?

Perceiving a relationship between variables when none exists (as in superstitions or biases).

What does the range -1.00 to +1.00 for r signify?

Values closer to -1 or +1 indicate a stronger relationship; 0 indicates no linear relationship.

What is a positive correlation versus a negative correlation?

Positive: variables rise or fall together; Negative: one variable increases while the other decreases.

Provide an operational definition for 'Weight' as described in the notes.

Weight is the numbers that appear in ounces on a weighing scale when the object is placed on it.

In the temperature example, what perspective is used to define temperature?

Operational definition (defining temperature via measurement with a thermometer and device).

Provide an operational definition for Tall.

Tall: height measured in centimeters using a stadiometer; defined as height at least a chosen cut-off (e.g., ≥180 cm).

Provide an operational definition for Short.

Short: height measured in centimeters using a stadiometer; defined as height below a chosen cut-off (e.g., ≤160 cm).

Provide an operational definition for Old.

Old: age in years, defined by a chosen cut-off (e.g., age ≥65 years).

Provide an operational definition for Young.

Young: age in years, defined by a chosen cut-off (e.g., age ≤20 years).

Provide an operational definition for Happiness.

Happiness: self-reported happiness on a 7-point scale from 1 (very unhappy) to 7 (very happy) over a specified period.

Provide an operational definition for Intelligence.

Intelligence: score on a standardized intelligence test (e.g., IQ) or a composite measure of problem-solving tasks.

Provide an operational definition for Popularity.

Popularity: peer-rated popularity on a 1–5 scale or a count of close friends as reported by peers.

Provide an operational definition for Sadness.

Sadness: self-reported sadness on a 0–10 scale over a specified period.

Provide an operational definition for Depression.

Depression: symptom score on a validated scale (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory) or self-reported symptoms over a time frame.

Provide an operational definition for Motivation.

Motivation: self-reported motivation level on a 0–100 scale or a task engagement measure.