Psychology 101- Research Methods – Flashcards

Data are sets of numbers or pieces of information obtained during research studies. Data may be either qualitative (categorical and usually non-numerical) or quantitative (numerical) in nature, but in general, data are numerical pieces of information. It is the use of data in research that helps to categorize psychology as a science.

The format used to research a certain subject. This is standardized

The Philosophical school of thought that real knowledge comes from the senses. This formed the basis for the foundation of modern science - the reliance on empirical evidence, or evidence that is observable. You have probably heard the expression, "empirical data" before...it is referring to any data that are observable through the senses.

A testable prediction about the relationship between at least two events, characteristics, or variables. Hypotheses usually come from theories; when planning an experiment, a researcher finds as much previous research on the topic of study as possible. From all of the previous work, the researcher can develop a theory about the topic of study and then make specific predictions about the study he/she is planning. It is important to note that hypotheses should be as specific as possible since you are trying to find truth, and the more vague your hypotheses, the more vague your conclusions.

A statement of the procedures or ways in which a researcher is going to study behaviors or qualities

The only research method that can be used to identify cause-effect relationships between two or more conditions or variables.

Experimental group: In an experiment, the group that is exposed to an independent variable. Control group: In an experiment, a group similar to the experimental group that is exposed to the same experimental environment but is not given the treatment used for purposes of comparison.

Observation and recoding of behavior in its natural setting or in a laboratory, without attempting to influence or control it.

The setting in which the behavior wished to be studied naturally occurs.

This occurs when the subjects being studied realize they are being watched and are on their best behavior or attempt to carry out the behavior they believe the researchers are looking for.

When the observer or research team knows the goals of the study or hypothesis and allows this knowledge to influence their research or conclusions throughout the study.

The strength of a relationship between two factors, how much and in what way those factors vary, and how well one factor can predict the other.

Defining whether there is a positive or negative correlation between two factors, and what the relative strength of the correlation is.

When one factor goes up, so does the other.

When one factor goes up, the other goes down.

A descriptive research method in which a single person or small number of individuals are studied in great depth, usually over an extended period of time.

A descriptive method in which researchers conduct interviews and/or questionnaires to gather info about the attitudes, beliefs, experiences, or behaviors of a group of people. Surveys allow you to collect a large amount of data on a significant amount of people.

a part of a population that is studied in order to reach a conclusion about the entire population.

A phenomenon that occurs when a researcher's preconceived notions or expectations in some way influence participants' behavior and/or the researcher's interpretation of experimental results (leading questions)

The phenomenon that occurs in an experiment when a participant's response to a treatment is due to his or her expectations about the treatment rather than the treatment itself. The observer attempts to sow habits that you want to see.