1.2 - Research Methods (Building Blocks)

Scientific Method

• A process of systematic observation, measurement, and experiment to formulate and test hypotheses.

• Clear and detailed statements about how you will measure the data collected about the variables.

• A sample that has characteristics that are similar to those in the population.

• The group to which the researchers manipulate the independent variable.

Experimental Group

• The group to which the researchers manipulate the independent variable.

• Subjects in an experiment who are not subjected to the independent variable and may receive a placebo treatment.

• Study in which the subject do not know if they are in the experimental or the control group.

• Study in which neither the experimenter nor the subjects know if the subjects are in the experimental or the control group.

Placebo Effect

• A real response, positive or negative, to an action or substance based solely on expectations, not on the actual properties of the action or substance.

• The group to which the researchers manipulate the independent variable.

• A measure of the relationship between two variables.

• The observation of human or animal behavior in its natural setting.

Why is random sampling important?

• makes data collection easy

• it gives everyone the same chance at being selected to reduce bias

• to randomize results

This research method is a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

• Case Study
• Survey
• Observational
• Correlational
• Experiments

This research method is a technique for ascertaining the self – reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.

• Survey
• Observational
• Correlational
• Experiments
• Case Study

This research method is a measure of the extent to which two variables change together, and thus of how well either variable predicts the other

• Correlational
• Experiments
• Case Study
• Survey
• Observational

This is a method of research where an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable).

• Experiments
• Case Study
• Survey
• Observational
• Correlational

What is a sample in research?

• the whole target population

• a piece of food you get to try

• an educated guess

• only part of the target population

Pepsi sends emails to thousands of customers seeking feedback about their new product.

• survey
• case study
• experimental research
• secondary analysis