Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

A collection of flashcards focused on key terms and concepts related to research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Research

The systematic investigation into a subject to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

I/O Psychology

Industrial/Organizational Psychology, the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace.

Social Scientific Research Methods

Techniques used to gather data and analyze social phenomena.

Hypothesis

An educated prediction about the outcome of a study.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The condition that researchers measure to understand the effect of the independent variable.

Experimental Method

A research method that involves manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe the effect on a dependent variable.

Observational Method

A research method where the researcher observes subjects in a natural or controlled setting.

Quasi-Experimental Method

A research method that does not use random assignment and does not manipulate the independent variable.

Archival Research

Research that involves using previously collected data or records to answer research questions.

Meta-Analysis

A statistical method of combining results from different studies to draw broader conclusions.

Sample

A subset of a population selected for study.

Survey

A self-report method in which subjects are asked to provide information about their attitudes, feelings, or behaviors.

Random Sampling

A technique for selecting participants so that every individual has an equal chance of being chosen.

Case Study

An in-depth examination of an individual or group within its real-life context.

Literature Review

A comprehensive survey of scholarly articles, books, and other sources relevant to a particular research question.

Correlational Method

A research method that examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation.

Data Analysis

The process of organizing, interpreting, and presenting data collected during research.

Operational Definition

A clear definition of a variable in terms of how it will be measured or identified in a study.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Reliability

The consistency of a measure; a reliable measure produces the same results under consistent conditions.

Variable

Any factor or characteristic that can vary and is measurable.

Job Satisfaction

The level of contentment employees feel about their work, which can affect productivity and retention.

Workplace Accidents

Incidents that occur in a work environment that result in injury or harm.

Employee Absenteeism

The habitual pattern of an employee being absent from work.

Limitations of Research

Factors that may affect the validity or reliability of a study's results.

Control Group

A group of subjects in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Experimental Group

A group of subjects that receives the experimental treatment.

Self-report Techniques

Methods in which participants report their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

Statistical Analysis

Mathematical methods used to summarize, interpret, and evaluate quantitative data.

Experimental Treatment

The specific condition or intervention applied to the experimental group during research.

Decision Making

The process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions.

Research Design

The overall strategy that will be used to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way.