Unit 2 Module 5 (Scientific Method, Case Study, Naturalistic Observation, Surveys, & Random Sampling)

Hypothesis

a testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Population

all those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn

Theory

an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organize observations and predicts behaviors or events

Variable

anything that can vary among participants in a study

Replication

repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances

Operational Definition

carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a research study (describes what the variables are & how they're measured)

Case Study

*a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles (NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF A LARGER POPULATION) 1. detailed picture of one or a rew subjects 2. tells us a great story but is just descriptive research 3. not representative of a larger population

Sampling Bias

*a flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample (error that can prejudice your findings in some way) *ex: survey of high school students to measure use of illegal drugs will be biased sample b/c it doesn't include home schooled students or dropouts

Random Sample

*a sample that fairly represents a population b/c each member has an equal chance of inclusion (best bias for generalizing) *ex: to asses reaction to a proposed tuition hike in college, a student sent a questionnaire to individuals selected by a numbers generator *1,500 ARE A GOOD RANDOM SAMPLE AND REPRESENTATION OF 200 MILLION

Naturalistic Observation

*observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation (hard to do & descriptions may be revealing) Pro: doesn't manipulate the environment Con: never really show cause & effect

Survey

*research method where questions are asked to subjects who report their own answers Pro: cheap & fast, measures correlation Con: not all answers are true

Wording Effects

*subtle changes in the order of wording of questions can have major effects *ex: 77% were interested in trees, but only 39% were interested in botany