bias in reasearch

What is a confounding variable?

A variable affecting the relationship between two variables.

What must a confounding variable be associated with?

Both the independent and dependent variables.

How can confounding variables serve in research?

As an alternative explanation for cause/effect.

What is bias in data interpretation?

Neglecting findings to favor original beliefs.

What is publication bias?

Only publishing studies supporting the hypothesis.

What are the consequences of publication bias?

Creates an impression of no value in negative findings.

What must be proven for publishing negative results?

Data must be statistically negative.

What is required for experimental protocols in negative results?

Protocols must repeated multiple times.

What is a longitudinal design?

A design testing participants at different ages.

How does a longitudinal design treat age?

As a within-subjects variable.

What is a cross-sectional design?

A design comparing different age groups.

How does a cross-sectional design treat age?

As a between-subjects variable.

What is a cohort-sequential design?

A design following multiple age groups over time.

How do cohort-sequential designs begin?

With separate samples of different age groups.

What does WEIRD stand for in research participants?

Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic.

Why is the WEIRD population a concern in research?

They are not representative of the global population.

What is attrition in research?

Participants choosing not to complete a study.

What are testing effects in research?

Early testing affecting later testing results.

What are generational effects?

A confound from different generational experiences.

What do individualist cultures emphasize?

Personal freedom and individual accomplishment.

What do collective cultures emphasize?

Group needs over individual needs.

What is bias in research?

Deviation from truth in data collection.

What can cause bias in research?

Intentional or unintentional deviations.

What is self-selection in bias?

Systematic differences in participant characteristics.

What is undercoverage bias?

Excluding part of the population from the sample.

What is nonresponse bias?

Difference between participants who respond and those who don’t.

What is bias in data analysis?

Preference for conclusions favoring the hypothesis.

What is fabrication in data analysis?

Reporting non-existing data.

What is data manipulation?

Using inappropriate tests to support a hypothesis.

What does the phrase “torture the data” imply?

Data can be manipulated to support any conclusion.