Unit 3 Review-AP RESEARCH

Internal Validity

Internal Validity

Flashcard

Definition:The extent to which a study accurately demonstrates a causal relationship between variables, minimizing the influence of external factors or confounding variables. High levels indicate that the results are likely due to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than other influences.

External Validity

Definition: The extent to which findings from a study can be generalized to, or have relevance for settings, people, times, and measures beyond the specific conditions of the research. It assesses the applicability of research results in real-world scenarios. Factors affecting it include sample characteristics, the environment of the study, and the nature of the intervention

Case Study

This method allows for detailed qualitative data collection, often using interviews, observations, and document analysis. It provides insights into complex issues and can generate hypotheses for further study. However, findings may not be generalizable to larger populations.

Ethnography

This approach involves the systematic study of people and cultures through direct observation and participation. It emphasizes understanding social practices and perspectives from the viewpoint of the subjects. Commonly used in anthropology and sociology, it often includes interviews, fieldwork, and immersion in the community to gather rich, contextual data.

Phenomenological Study

A qualitative approach focused on exploring and understanding individuals' lived experiences. It emphasizes the subjective interpretation of phenomena, aiming to uncover the essence of those experiences through in-depth interviews and analysis. This method seeks to grasp how people perceive and make sense of their world, often leading to rich, detailed descriptions.

Grounded Theory Study

This approach involves systematic data collection and analysis, focusing on generating theories that are grounded in the data itself. Researchers often use interviews, observations, and open coding to identify patterns and concepts. It emphasizes the iterative process of data collection and theory refinement, allowing for a deeper understanding of social phenomena. Commonly used in social sciences, it aims to explain how participants make sense of their experiences.

Grounded Theory

A systematic methodology in social science involving the generation of theory from data systematically gathered and analyzed. It emphasizes the discovery of theory through the research process rather than testing existing theories. Researchers collect qualitative data, coding it to identify patterns, concepts, and categories, leading to the development of a grounded theory that explains the studied phenomenon.

Narrative Inquiry

A qualitative research method that explores personal stories and experiences to understand how individuals make sense of their lives. It emphasizes the importance of context and the meaning of events, often using interviews and storytelling to gather data. This approach values the subjective nature of human experience and aims to reveal deeper insights into social phenomena.

Content Analysis

A research method used to systematically analyze and interpret content from various forms of communication, such as texts, images, or media. It involves coding and categorizing data to identify patterns, themes, and meanings, often to understand social phenomena or cultural trends. This method can be both qualitative and quantitative, providing insights into the context and implications of the content being studied.

Correlational Research

A research method that examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. It identifies patterns and associations but does not establish causation. Data is often collected through surveys, observations, or existing records. Results are typically represented using correlation coefficients, indicating the strength and direction of the relationship. This approach is useful for predicting outcomes and generating hypotheses for further study.

Experimental Research

This method tests hypotheses by controlling conditions and randomly assigning participants to groups. It aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships by measuring outcomes in response to changes in independent variables. Commonly used in psychology, medicine, and social sciences, it often involves experiments with control and experimental groups.

Casual correlational study

This study aims to identify patterns or associations, but does not establish cause-and-effect relationships. It often involves observational data and can help generate hypotheses for further research. Commonly used in social sciences, it’s useful for exploring trends and making predictions based on existing data.

Cross Sectional Study

A research design that analyzes data from a population or a representative subset at a specific point in time. It helps identify relationships and prevalence of outcomes but does not establish causation. Often used in epidemiology and social sciences to assess health trends or behaviors.