Ch 2 Research Process Importance and Impact Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the average number of days employees are missing work per year in the organization?

25 days

10 days

20 days

15 days (correct)

Which method of research involves observing subjects in their natural environment without any intervention or manipulation?

Experimental methods

Case studies

Archival research

Naturalistic observation (correct)

What is the term for the statistical measure that describes the spread of scores around the mean?

Median

Dispersion (correct)

Mode

Mean

In research, what do we call the variables that are manipulated or changed by the researcher?

Independent variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a statistical technique used to combine the results of multiple studies on a specific topic?

Meta-analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a theory, according to Fred Kerlinger?

To specify relations among variables and explain the phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the second criterion for a good theory?

Specificity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the basic assumptions of scientists mentioned in the text?

Parsimony Signup and view all the answers

According to Karl Popper, what is the ultimate goal of a scientific theory?

To be 'not yet disconfirmed' Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the orderliness of behavior according to psychologists?

There is some order to behavior but it is not completely predictable Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the nonscientist’s approach to understanding?

Accurate portrayal or depiction of the phenomenon of interest Signup and view all the answers

What is the second goal of science according to Larry Christensen?

Gathering knowledge about why a phenomenon exists Signup and view all the answers

Which goal of science refers to the ability to anticipate an event prior to its actual occurrence?

Ability to anticipate an event prior to its actual occurrence Signup and view all the answers

What is the last goal of science according to Larry Christensen?

Manipulation of antecedent conditions to affect behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the process or method for generating a body of knowledge called?

Science Signup and view all the answers

What is a causal inference in research?

A determination that data indicate a likely causal relationship between two variables Signup and view all the answers

In the context of psychology, what are frequently referred to as predictors and criteria?

Independent and dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of control in experimental design?

To eliminate extraneous variables and ensure internal validity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an extraneous variable in an experiment?

To contaminate the results or serve as an alternative causal explanation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable is of interest and what an experiment is designed to assess?

Dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of holding a potentially extraneous variable constant in an experiment?

To control for the potential influence of the extraneous variable on the dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the opposite approach to holding a potentially extraneous variable constant in an experiment?

Systematically manipulating different levels of the variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of statistical control in an experiment?

To control the variability in the dependent variable due to extraneous variables Signup and view all the answers

In the context of leadership–job performance study, why might gender be treated as an independent variable?

To examine whether it plays a role in affecting the dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a quasi-experimental design in field-based research?

To remove any potential confounding variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of science?

To develop theories to describe, explain, predict, and control important phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of a good theory emphasizes the importance of practicality?

Parsimony Signup and view all the answers

What is induction in the context of science?

An approach that consists of working from data to theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with collecting data and then generating theories (i.e., induction) in its purest form?

It is useless unless those theories are tested and modified as a result of additional data Signup and view all the answers

What does the cyclical inductive–deductive model of research illustrate?

The cyclical nature of how induction and deduction feed into each other Signup and view all the answers

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.