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Questions and Answers
What is the average number of days employees are missing work per year in the organization?
Which method of research involves observing subjects in their natural environment without any intervention or manipulation?
What is the term for the statistical measure that describes the spread of scores around the mean?
In research, what do we call the variables that are manipulated or changed by the researcher?
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What is the term for a statistical technique used to combine the results of multiple studies on a specific topic?
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What is the primary purpose of a theory, according to Fred Kerlinger?
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According to the text, what is the second criterion for a good theory?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the basic assumptions of scientists mentioned in the text?
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According to Karl Popper, what is the ultimate goal of a scientific theory?
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What does the text suggest about the orderliness of behavior according to psychologists?
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What is the focus of the nonscientist’s approach to understanding?
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What is the second goal of science according to Larry Christensen?
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Which goal of science refers to the ability to anticipate an event prior to its actual occurrence?
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What is the last goal of science according to Larry Christensen?
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What is the process or method for generating a body of knowledge called?
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What is a causal inference in research?
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In the context of psychology, what are frequently referred to as predictors and criteria?
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What is the role of control in experimental design?
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What is the purpose of an extraneous variable in an experiment?
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Which type of variable is of interest and what an experiment is designed to assess?
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What is the purpose of holding a potentially extraneous variable constant in an experiment?
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What is the opposite approach to holding a potentially extraneous variable constant in an experiment?
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What is the role of statistical control in an experiment?
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In the context of leadership–job performance study, why might gender be treated as an independent variable?
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What is the purpose of using a quasi-experimental design in field-based research?
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What is the primary objective of science?
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Which characteristic of a good theory emphasizes the importance of practicality?
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What is induction in the context of science?
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What is the problem with collecting data and then generating theories (i.e., induction) in its purest form?
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What does the cyclical inductive–deductive model of research illustrate?
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Study Notes
Employee Absenteeism
- Average number of workdays missed by employees per year is relevant for assessing productivity and organizational health.
Research Methods
- Observational research involves studying subjects in their natural environment without any interventions or manipulations.
Statistical Measures
- Variance is the term used to describe the spread of scores around the mean, indicating data distribution.
Research Variables
- Independent variables are manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe effects on dependent variables.
Statistical Techniques
- Meta-analysis is a statistical technique used to combine the results of multiple studies on a specific topic, enhancing overall understanding.
Theory in Research
- According to Fred Kerlinger, the primary purpose of a theory is to provide explanation and predictions for phenomena.
Criteria for Good Theories
- A good theory is required to have explanatory power, helping to make sense of observations and guiding future research.
Scientific Assumptions
- Not all assumptions of scientists are universally accepted; distinguishing which assumptions are foundational is crucial.
Scientific Theory Goals
- Karl Popper emphasized that the ultimate goal of a scientific theory is to be testable and falsifiable, allowing for ongoing refinement.
Behavior Orderliness
- Psychologists suggest behavior exhibits orderliness, allowing for predictions and systematic study.
Nonscientist Understanding
- The nonscientist’s approach focuses more on anecdotal evidence or personal experience rather than empirical data.
Goals of Science
- According to Larry Christensen, the second goal of science is to explain phenomena, in addition to predicting them.
Anticipation of Events
- The predictive goal of science involves the ability to foresee events before they occur, enhancing preparation and response.
Knowledge Generation Process
- The body of knowledge in science is generated through systematic methods that involve observation, experimentation, and analysis.
Causal Inference
- Causal inference in research refers to drawing conclusions about cause-effect relationships based on evidence collected from experiments.
Predictors and Criteria
- In psychology, predictors and criteria often relate to independent and dependent variables in research studies, respectively.
Control in Experimental Design
- Control in experiments reduces the impact of confounding variables, allowing for clearer interpretation of results.
Extraneous Variables
- Extraneous variables can introduce noise into experiments; controlling them is essential for valid results.
Focus Variables
- The primary variable of interest in an experiment is the dependent variable that the research is designed to assess.
Controlling Variables
- Holding extraneous variables constant minimizes their influence on the outcome, leading to more reliable conclusions.
Alternating Control Method
- Allowing extraneous variables to vary is an alternative approach but risks introducing confounding effects.
Statistical Control Role
- Statistical control helps account for the influence of extraneous variables through statistical techniques, refining the analysis.
Gender as an Independent Variable
- In leadership-job performance studies, gender can be treated as an independent variable to explore its potential impact on outcomes.
Quasi-Experimental Design
- Quasi-experimental designs are employed in field research to assess causal relationships without random assignment.
Primary Objective of Science
- The primary objective of science is to gain understanding of natural phenomena through careful inquiry and evidence collection.
Practicality in Theory
- A characteristic of a good theory is its practicality, meaning it can be applied effectively in real-world situations.
Induction in Science
- Induction refers to generating theories based on observed data, often leading to broader generalizations.
Induction Challenges
- Collecting data first and then creating theories can lead to biases and misinterpretations, compromising research integrity.
Cyclical Research Model
- The cyclical inductive-deductive model illustrates the interplay between theory development and empirical testing, fostering scientific advancements.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the importance of following the research process steps and the potential impact of not adhering to them. Explore how theories should be practical and contribute to describing, explaining, and predicting phenomena.