Research Methods Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of descriptive research methods?

Scientific procedures that involve systematically observing behavior. (correct)

Procedures that rely on personal opinions.

Observations made without a structured approach.

Methods that are based on intuition.

What is naturalistic observation?

The systematic observation and recording of behaviors as they occur in their natural setting.

Pseudoscience is based on scientific evidence.

False

What is a case study?

An intensive study of a single individual or small group of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a survey?

A questionnaire or interview designed to investigate the opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a particular group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a sample in research?

A selected segment of the population used to represent the group that is being studied. Signup and view all the answers

What is a representative sample?

A selected segment that very closely parallels the larger population being studied on relevant characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is random selection?

Process in which subjects are selected randomly from a larger group such that every group member has an equal chance of being included in the study. Signup and view all the answers

What is a correlational study?

A research strategy that allows the precise calculation of how strongly related two factors are to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is a correlation coefficient?

A numerical indication of the magnitude and direction of the relationship between two variables. Signup and view all the answers

A positive correlation indicates that two factors vary systematically in the same direction.

True Signup and view all the answers

A negative correlation means two factors vary in the same direction.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Descriptive Research Methods

Describe scientific procedures for observing behavior systematically to understand relationships between behaviors and events.

Naturalistic Observation

Involves recording behaviors as they occur in their natural environment without intervention from the observer.

Pseudoscience

Refers to claims or beliefs presented as scientific but lacking empirical evidence and methodological rigor.

Case Study

An intensive investigation focused on a single individual or a small group, providing in-depth insights into specific cases.

Survey

A tool used to gather information through questionnaires or interviews to understand opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a specific group.

Sample

Represents a subset of the population selected for study, serving as a smaller scale reflection of the larger group being analyzed.

Representative Sample

A carefully chosen segment of the population that accurately reflects the larger group's relevant characteristics, ensuring generalizability.

Random Selection

A method of sampling where participants are chosen at random from a population, ensuring each individual has an equal chance of selection, reducing bias.

Correlational Study

A research approach used to quantify the strength and direction of relationships between two factors, helping to identify patterns or associations.

Correlation Coefficient

A numerical value that indicates both the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to +1.

Positive Correlation

Occurs when two variables increase or decrease together, indicating a direct relationship where one factor influences the other in the same direction.

Negative Correlation

Occurs when one variable increases while the other decreases, indicating an inverse relationship between the two factors involved.

Description

This quiz features flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1 of Descriptive Research Methods. Learn about scientific procedures like naturalistic observation and the definition of pseudoscience. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of research methodologies.