Chapter 2 Research Methods

Making observations in a systematic way, following strict rules of evidence and thinking critically about evidence.

• scientific method

• hypothesis

• theories

• control group

Evidence from observations of publicly observable behavior.

• empirical evidence

• clinical method

• operational definitions

• naturalistic observations

Scientists must describe their observations in terms of operations of measurement.

• operational definitions

• hypothesis

• quantitive measures

• sample

Tentative explanations of facts and relationships in science.

• theories

• hypothesis

• variable

• quantitate measures

Prediction based on a theory that is tested in a study.

• hypothesis

• theories

• sample

• quantitative measures

Group of human or non-human research participants studied to learn about an entire population of humans or animals.

• sample

• replication

• operational definitions

• scientific method

Repeating studies based on the scientific principle that the results should be doubted until the same results have been found in similar studies by other researchers.

• replication

• correlational method

• experimental control

• empirical evidence

Methods of observation used to describe predictable behavior and mental process: survey method, naturalistic observation, clinical method.

• descriptive studies

• operational definitions

• quantitative measures

• random assignment

Research method that uses interviews and questionnaires with individuals.

• survey method

• clinical method

• naturalistic observation

• experimental control

Research method based on recording behavior as it occurs in natural life settings.

• naturalistic observation

• survey method

• clinical method

• control group