Experimental Design and Research Methods Quiz

A good research hypothesis should be specific, providing clear and focused expectations for the study.

Observation is a qualitative research method involving systematic and detailed examination of behavior or phenomena in their natural setting.

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable, allowing for causal inference.

A research proposal outlines the plan and justification for a research study, including its objectives, methods, and expected contributions.

The control group serves as a baseline to compare with the experimental group, helping to assess the impact of the independent variable.

The mean is a measure of central tendency that represents the average value of a set of scores.

A double-blind study prevents experimenter bias by keeping both participants and researchers unaware of who is in the experimental or control group.

Case study design involves an in-depth examination of a single individual or case over an extended period to gain comprehensive insights.

A correlation coefficient of -0.70 in a correlational study indicates a strong negative relationship between the two variables.

Deception in research involves withholding information from participants, raising ethical concerns about informed consent and potential psychological harm.

Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where participants are chosen based on their accessibility and convenience.

The pretest-posttest design is a quasi-experimental design without random assignment, often used when true experimental conditions are impractical.

Factorial design involves manipulating two or more independent variables to examine their individual and combined effects on the dependent variable.

In an observational study, the researcher observes without interfering, allowing for naturalistic and unbiased data collection.

Cohen's d is a common measure of effect size, quantifying the magnitude of the difference between experimental and control groups.

Random assignment helps ensure groups are equivalent, reducing bias and allowing for better causation inference.

Within-subjects design involves each participant experiencing both the experimental and control conditions for direct within-individual comparisons.

IRB ensures ethical standards by reviewing and approving research proposals involving human participants before the study begins.

A pilot study collects preliminary data to refine research methods, identify potential issues, and enhance the quality of the main study.

A placebo is used to control for psychological and physiological effects unrelated to the treatment, helping isolate the true impact of the independent variable.

Random sampling enhances external validity by ensuring that the sample is representative of the population, improving the generalizability of study findings.

Crossover design minimizes carryover effects by exposing each participant to all experimental conditions in a counterbalanced order.

Debriefing informs participants about the true nature and purpose of the study after their involvement, addressing any misconceptions and ensuring ethical treatment.

Triangulation involves using multiple methods or sources of data to strengthen the validity and reliability of research findings.

Demand characteristics, where participants alter their behavior based on perceived expectations, pose a threat to internal validity in experimental research.