Method of learning about the world through critical thinking and tools such as observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis.
Researcher Bias
Research that engages behaviors and selective notice evidence to support their hypothesis or expectations.
Critical Thinking
Thinking that that doesnt blindly accept arguments and conclusions.
Participant Bias
Research participants reponde in a certain way because they know that they are being watched or they believe they know what the researcher wants.
Naturalistic Observation
Recording/Observing behavior in naturallu occuring situations without trying to control the situation.
Case Studys
Research technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope or revealing universial principals.
Correlation Study
Research project designed to discover the degree to which two variables are related to each other.
Positive correlated
Negative correlated
Both variables increase(effictiveness)
One increases, other decreases
Population
All the cases in a group, from which samples may be drawn for study.
Experiment
Research method in which the researcher manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on other variables while controlling for confounding variables.
Hypothesis
Investigators testable prediction about the outcome of research
Operational Definitons
A specification of the exact procedures used to make a variable specific and measurable for research purposes.
Independent Variable
Variable that should cause something to happen
Dependent Variable
Variable that should show the cause effect of the independent variable
Random Assignment
Assigning participants to control groups by chance to minimize preexisting differences among them.
Confounding Variable
Variable that could influence the dependent variable
Blind Procedure
Participants are not told the hypothesis until after data is collected.
Placebo
Nonactive substance/condition that may be administered instead of a drug or active agent to see if the drug has an effect beyond the expectations.
Replication
Repeating a research study to see whenether the results can be reliably reproduced.