Experimental Research Design Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which type of quantitative research design involves the manipulation of independent variables?

  • Descriptive forms
  • Survey forms
  • Quasi-experimental forms
  • Experimental forms (correct)

Quasi-experimental designs include random assignment of participants to treatment groups.

False (B)

What is the main advantage of experimental designs over quasi-experimental and descriptive forms?

The ability to manipulate independent variables.

The process of assigning participants to treatment and control groups is known as _____ assignment.

<p>random</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research designs with their characteristics:

<p>Experimental forms = Manipulation of independent variables Quasi-experimental forms = No random assignment Descriptive forms = Observation without manipulation Survey forms = Collection of self-reported data</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a manipulation check?

<p>A verification of the independent variable manipulation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Descriptive research designs are used to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of independent variables in experimental research.

<p>Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher to observe their effect on the dependent variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the independent variable in the research study?

<p>Public campaign appearance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Participants who had been part of the race relations program longer had more negative attitudes toward race relations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the dependent variable in the study?

<p>Number of news stories</p> Signup and view all the answers

The participants were familiar with the __________ in which the research was conducted.

<p>environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the campaign visits have according to the researchers?

<p>Increased news coverage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After the governor's visit, local news coverage was less frequent.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms to their descriptions:

<p>Independent variable = Public campaign appearance Dependent variable = Number of news stories Field experiments = Research in a natural environment Volunteer sign-ups = Increased after campaign appearance</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many volunteer sign-ups were recorded before the campaign appearance?

<p>2.6</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of manipulation in an experiment?

<p>To vary the type or level of stimuli presented (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Experiments can only test hypotheses that predict differences between groups.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of random assignment in an experiment?

<p>To control for confounding variables by assigning participants randomly to groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study that uses __________ allows researchers to test differences and relationships among variables.

<p>experimentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements of an experiment to their definitions:

<p>Independent Variable = The variable manipulated by the researcher Dependent Variable = The outcome measured by the researcher Difference Hypothesis = A hypothesis predicting differences between groups Relational Hypothesis = A hypothesis predicting relationships between variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of environment do many communication laboratories attempt to simulate?

<p>Comfortable interaction environments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

One-way mirrors in communication laboratories allow participants to see researchers.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a setting designed for communication research?

<p>A living room, waiting area, or a computer lab.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of researchers conducting experimental research?

<p>To establish or explain changes in behavior, feelings, or attitudes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An independent variable is the one being measured in an experiment.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must occur before a change can be attributed to a cause in experimental research?

<p>The causal agent must precede the change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A lab experiment is typically conducted within a limited time _____.

<p>frame</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the research components with their definitions:

<p>Independent Variable = The variable that is manipulated Dependent Variable = The variable that is measured Temporal Component = Refers to the order in which events occur Comparison Groups = Used to establish differences between conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of experimental research?

<p>Use of qualitative data (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Two laboratory experiments were conducted in this study: one to create real instances of truth and deception, and the other to study their influences.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having comparison groups in an experiment?

<p>To establish differences between conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of quasi-experimental designs?

<p>They use differences that exist naturally. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Descriptive research can provide explanations for the differences it identifies.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a descriptive research question example mentioned in the content?

<p>What politeness strategies do individuals report using in this context?</p> Signup and view all the answers

A well-designed quasi-experiment helps demonstrate that rival __________ are implausible.

<p>interpretations</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of research designs with their characteristics:

<p>Quasi-experimental = Natural differences, no random assignment Descriptive = Systematic observation without causal inference Cross-sectional = Data collected at a single point in time Experimental = Manipulation of variables with random assignment</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the limitations of quasi-experimental designs?

<p>They may not ensure group equivalency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Quasi-experimental designs can infer causal relationships between variables.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way researchers can strengthen the validity of a quasi-experiment?

<p>By collecting data on other variables that could confound the results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action to overcome researcher expectancy bias?

<p>Use individuals who did not design the study to conduct the experiment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Familiarity between researchers and participants does not influence data collection.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented if pre-testing a research design leads to changes?

<p>The changes made to the protocol</p> Signup and view all the answers

The standardization of how researchers and their assistants interact with participants ensures more _______.

<p>control</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do researchers often turn to quasi-experimental designs?

<p>Practical limitations of experimental designs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the research design with its characteristic:

<p>Experimental research = Most powerful for quantifying relationships Quasi-experimental = Used when experimental conditions are impractical Descriptive research = Focuses on observing and describing phenomena Field study = Conducted in a real-world setting</p> Signup and view all the answers

All research reports must indicate that the study facilitator was blind to the research hypotheses.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Participants who are similar to research participants should _______ the online study before it is deployed.

<p>test</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Manipulation of Independent Variables

A type of research design where researchers intentionally change or vary how the independent variable is presented to participants.

Random Assignment

A research design where participants are randomly assigned to different treatment groups or conditions.

Descriptive Research Design

A research design where the researcher does not manipulate the independent variable or randomly assign participants. This type of research focuses on describing patterns and relationships among variables.

Quasi-Experimental Research Design

A research design where researchers manipulate the independent variable but cannot randomly assign participants to treatment groups. This design often involves pre-existing groups or conditions.

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Treatment Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention. This group helps researchers see how the independent variable affects the outcome.

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Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or intervention. This group serves as a baseline for comparison.

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Manipulation Check

A check to verify that the independent variable was successfully manipulated in an experiment.

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Experimental Research Design

An experimental design where the researcher can manipulate the independent variable and randomly assign participants to treatment and control groups. This design is considered the gold standard for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

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Experimental Research

A research method used to establish cause and effect relationships between variables.

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Independent Variable

The variable that the researcher manipulates or changes in an experiment.

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Dependent Variable

The variable that is being measured or observed in an experiment.

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Comparison Groups

A research design that involves comparing at least two groups to see if there's a difference in their responses to different treatment conditions.

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Laboratory Experiment

A carefully controlled environment where research is conducted to ensure that the independent variable is the only factor influencing the dependent variable.

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Field Experiment

A type of research that is not conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. It is conducted in real-world settings.

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Temporal Component

A research design that is conducted within a specific time frame, enabling the researcher to study the effects of the independent variable over time.

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Difference Hypothesis

A type of hypothesis that predicts a difference in the dependent variable between groups that are exposed to different levels of the independent variable.

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Relational Hypothesis

A type of hypothesis that predicts a relationship between two variables, usually the independent and dependent variable.

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Treatment or Manipulation

A specific treatment or condition that is applied to one or more groups in an experiment to see its effect on the dependent variable.

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Communication Laboratories

Controlled environments specifically designed for conducting research, often equipped with recording equipment and one-way mirrors.

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Researcher Control

The researcher's ability to directly control and manipulate the independent variable in an experiment.

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Quasi-experimental design

A research design that compares groups based on pre-existing differences rather than random assignment.

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Categorical differences research

A type of descriptive study that identifies and describes differences between groups or categories.

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Experimental design

A research design that involves manipulating an independent variable and carefully controlling other variables.

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Confounding variables

Variables that could potentially influence the outcome of a study but are not the main variable of interest.

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Researcher bias

A threat to the validity of a research study that occurs when the researcher's expectations or biases influence the results.

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Research Protocol

A pre-determined set of procedures outlining how a research study will be conducted. It includes steps from participant recruitment to data analysis.

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Blind Experiment

When individuals other than the researcher, who are unaware of the study's hypotheses, conduct the experiment. This helps reduce bias arising from the researcher's expectations.

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Researcher Expectancy

This bias occurs when the researcher's expectations influence the results of the study. It can be minimized with blind experiments and by using researchers with limited knowledge of participant groups.

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Expectancy Bias in Familiar Groups

This bias arises from the researcher's familiarity with the participants, which may lead to unconscious bias in how they interact or interpret the data.

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Descriptive Research

A research design that aims to describe patterns, relationships, or characteristics of a population or phenomenon. It focuses on observing and collecting data without manipulating variables.

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True Experimental Design

The most rigorous type of research design, used in scientific settings to establish cause-and-effect relationships. It involves manipulating independent variables, random assignment of participants, control groups, and the systematic observation of dependent variables.

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Study Notes

Quantitative Research Designs

  • Three types of quantitative research design exist: experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive.

  • Experimental designs manipulate independent variables and use random assignment of participants to conditions.

  • Quasi-experimental designs manipulate independent variables but do not use random assignment.

  • Descriptive designs observe existing variables and do not manipulate any.

  • Manipulation checks verify participants' perception of independent variables.

  • Random assignment ensures groups are equivalent before treatment.

  • The classical experiment involves manipulation, random assignment, and measurement of the dependent variable after the independent variable.

  • Post-test only designs measure the dependent variable only after exposure to the independent variable.

  • Pretest-posttest designs measure the dependent variable before and after the independent variable.

  • Factorial designs examine multiple independent variables simultaneously.

  • Longitudinal designs measure the dependent variable over time.

  • Online experiments can improve access and efficiency.

  • Researcher effects (expectancy bias and demand characteristics) can influence participant behavior.

  • Quasi-experimental designs allow research in situations where random assignment is infeasible.

  • Descriptive designs are used to make observations about existing relationships and do not involve manipulation or control groups..

  • Researcher effects, while inherent in any research method, are particularly pertinent to longitudinal and quasi-experimental studies.

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