Research Methods

Scientific Method

• A process of systematic observation, measurement, and experiment to formulate and test hypotheses.

• Clear and detailed statements about how you will measure the data collected about the variables.

• A sample that has characteristics that are similar to those in the population.

• The group to which the researchers manipulate the independent variable.

Independent Variable

• Variable in an experiment that is manipulated by the experimenter.

• Variable in an experiment that represents the measurable response or behavior of the subjects in the experiment.

Dependent Variable

• Variable in an experiment that represents the measurable response or behavior of the subjects in the experiment.

• Variable in an experiment that is manipulated by the experimenter.

Experimental Group

• The group to which the researchers manipulate the independent variable.

• Subjects in an experiment who are not subjected to the independent variable and may receive a placebo treatment.

• Study in which the subject do not know if they are in the experimental or the control group.

• Study in which neither the experimenter nor the subjects know if the subjects are in the experimental or the control group.

Control Group

• Subjects in an experiment who are not subjected to the independent variable and may receive a placebo treatment.

• The group to which the researchers manipulate the independent variable.

• Study in which the subject do not know if they are in the experimental or the control group.

• Study in which neither the experimenter nor the subjects know if the subjects are in the experimental or the control group.

Placebo Effect

• A real response, positive or negative, to an action or substance based solely on expectations, not on the actual properties of the action or substance.

• The group to which the researchers manipulate the independent variable.

• A measure of the relationship between two variables.

• The observation of human or animal behavior in its natural setting.

Single-Blind Study

• Study in which the subject do not know if they are in the experimental or the control group.

• Study in which neither the experimenter nor the subjects know if the subjects are in the experimental or the control group.

• A measure of the relationship between two variables.

• The observation of human or animal behavior in its natural setting.

Double-Blind Study

• Study in which neither the experimenter nor the subjects know if the subjects are in the experimental or the control group.

• Study in which the subject do not know if they are in the experimental or the control group.

• A measure of the relationship between two variables.

• The observation of human or animal behavior in its natural setting.

Naturalistic Observation

• The observation of human or animal behavior in its natural setting.

• A measure of the relationship between two variables.

• The group to which the researchers manipulate the independent variable.

• Variable in an experiment that represents the measurable response or behavior of the subjects in the experiment.

Case Study

• Study of one individual in great detail.

• Observation of human or animal behavior in its natural setting.

• An inexpensive and quick method of gaining information about people’s opinions, attitudes, and perceptions.

• Experiment using a variety of different hypotheses.