Research Methods: Designs, Variables, Hypotheses & Ethics

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in research design, variables, hypotheses, and ethical considerations from the lecture notes.

A research method that uses random assignment and deliberate manipulation of an independent variable to test its causal effect on a dependent variable.

Experimental Design

A study that measures naturally occurring variables without manipulation to explore the relationship between them.

Observational Study design

The factor a researcher manipulates or categorizes to examine its impact on the dependent variable.

Independent Variable (IV)

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome that is measured in a study to see how it is influenced by the independent variable.

Directional Hypothesis

A prediction that specifies both a difference/relationship and the expected direction of that effect (e.g., higher, lower, more, less).

Non-Directional Hypothesis

A prediction that a difference or relationship exists without indicating which group or variable will score higher or lower.

Informed Consent

Participants’ voluntary agreement to join a study after receiving full information about its purpose, procedures, risks, and their rights.

Debriefing

A post-study explanation that clarifies a study’s aims, procedures, and addresses any misconceptions or distress experienced by participants.

Right to Withdraw

The ethical principle that participants may leave a study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits.

Confidentiality

Protecting participants’ identities and ensuring that data are stored and reported in a way that cannot be traced back to them.

Privacy and Data Sensitivity

Respecting participants’ control over personal information and handling sensitive data (e.g., diet, mental health) securely and discreetly.

Voluntary Participation

Ensuring that participation in a study is free from coercion or undue influence; individuals choose to take part of their own free will.

Random Assignment

The process of placing participants into experimental or control groups purely by chance to ensure groups are equivalent at the start of a study.

Manipulation (of Independent Variable)

The deliberate alteration of an independent variable’s levels or conditions to examine its causal effect.

Measured Outcome

The specific data collected (often the dependent variable) used to determine whether the independent variable produced an effect.