Research Methods II Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards defining key research design concepts, variable types, operational definitions, measurement techniques, and methodological issues from the Research Methods II lecture.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable in an experiment that is manipulated by the researcher to assign participants into different experimental groups.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The measured variable in an experiment that provides quantifiable data to observe the effect of the independent variable.

Experimental Method

A research approach where an independent variable is manipulated while holding all other factors constant, allowing researchers to draw causal conclusions if changes occur in the dependent variable.

Attribute Variable (AV)

An inherent characteristic of a participant (such as socioeconomic status or gender) that cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter.

Quasi-Experimental Method

A research design used when studying attribute variables instead of true independent variables, in which causal claims cannot be made.

Random Assignment

A process ensuring that each participant in a sample has an equal chance of being placed into any treatment group in a study.

Random Assignment Test

A criteria test used to classify a variable: if participants can be randomly assigned, it is a true independent variable (experimental method); if not, it is an attribute variable (quasi-experimental method).

Operational Definitions

Detailed, specific definitions for independent and dependent variables that allow other researchers to replicate the exact methodology and provide quantifiable measurements.

Physiological Measures

Operational definitions of dependent variables that record biological or body responses, such as measuring amygdala activity using an fMRI.

Behavioral Measures

Operational definitions of dependent variables based on observable actions, such as counting hits to a Bobo doll or measuring noise blasts, hot sauce administration, or phone slamming.

Self-Report Measures

Operational definitions of dependent variables obtained directly from participant self-assessments, such as questionnaire ratings of feelings or attitudes.

Validity

The extent to which an instrument or study measures the specific concept it intends to measure, rather than an unintended construct.

Reliability

The consistency of a research measurement across repeated applications, such as test-retest reliability.

Replication

The process of repeating an experimental procedure to determine whether previous research findings can be consistently reproduced.

Meta-Analysis

A broad research strategy that analyzes combined data from many individual studies sharing the same topic and variables to determine overall patterns.

Pearson (2010)

An experimental study examining how language affects perceptions of immigrants by manipulating an independent variable and measuring resulting attitudes.