Research Methods Study Guide:FINAL EXAM

Reliability

Consistency in procedures and participant reactions.

Validity

Measuring what we intend to measure.

Systematic Errors

Errors eliminated when reliability and validity are achieved.

Purpose of Research

To explore unknown topics or establish baselines.

Stop & Frisk Study

Example of systematic data collection in research.

Anonymity

Researcher cannot link data to individuals.

Confidentiality

Researcher links data but keeps it private.

Experimental Reality

Knowledge gained from direct personal experience.

Agreement Reality

Beliefs accepted because they are widely shared.

Kansas City Preventative Patrol Experiment

Applied example of research in policing.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Evaluates study risks and safeguards.

Protected Groups

Minors and prisoners needing special study approval.

Generalizability

Results applicable across different contexts.

Unit of Analysis

The main entity being studied in research.

Matrix Questions

Questions formatted in a grid for responses.

Ethics in Research

Consideration of participant harm and consent.

Possible Harms in Research

Includes physical, psychological, and embarrassment risks.

Informed Consent Document

Outlines study purpose, risks, and benefits.

Levels of Measurement

Different ways to categorize data types.

Empirical Knowledge

Knowledge based on observations and experiences.

Random Sampling

Each individual has equal selection chance.

Sample vs Population

Sample is a subset; population is the whole.

Open Ended Questions

Questions allowing free-form responses.

Closed Ended Questions

Questions with predefined answer choices.

Variables and Attributes

Characteristics grouped into measurable factors.

Focus Groups

Group interviews revealing collective perspectives.

Qualitative Interviews

Types include structured, semi-structured, and unstructured.

Reflexivity

Researcher's awareness of personal biases.

Probes

Prompts to encourage participant elaboration.