Research Methods and Correlation Concepts

Front

A broad explanation that uses an integrated set of principles to organize observations and predict behaviors or events.

Back

Theory

Front

A specific, testable prediction often implied by a theory.

Back

Hypothesis

Front

A carefully worded, precise, and measurable statement of the exact procedures used in a research study.

Back

Operational Definition

Front

Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants and circumstances, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced.

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Replication

Front

The quality of a hypothesis that makes it possible to design a study that could prove it wrong.

Back

Falsifiable

Front

A research method that measures the extent to which two variables change together, and thus how well either variable predicts the other.

Back

Correlational Research

Front

A relationship between two variables in which they move in the same direction (as one increases, the other increases).

Back

Positive Correlation

Front

A relationship between two variables in which they move in opposite directions (as one increases, the other decreases).

Back

Negative Correlation

Front

A graph showing a cluster of dots, each representing the values of two variables.

Back

Scatterplot

Front

A number between -1.0 and +1.0 that measures the strength and direction of a relationship.

Back

Correlation Coefficient