AP Psychology: Science Practices - Set F

Operational definition

a clear, objective, and complete description of how the variables in a research study are measured and defined

Case study

a research design involving an in-depth and detailed examination of a single subject or small group

Meta-analysis

a statistical method that combines the results of multiple studies to reveal patterns and draw general conclusions

Naturalistic observation

a descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Structured interviews

a method of gathering information that involves asking a set of predetermined questions in a predetermined order to each participant

Likert scale

a rating scale that measures attitudes, opinions, or behaviors by having respondents choose an answer along a continuum

Effect size

a measure of the strength of the relationship between two variables (or the extent of an experimental effect) to help show the significance of a research finding

Statistical significance

shows how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance

Replication

repeating a research study to see if the same results can be obtained to show if the original study's findings can be applied to other situations or populations

Peer review

a process in which experts evaluate a research study, article, or manuscript before it gets published to ensure the work meets high academic standards