What are the four types of variables?
1) Dependent
2) Independent
3) Moderating
4) Mediating
What is a “dependent” vs “independent” variable
Dependent: The variable that is expected to change due to changes in the independent variable
Independent: The variable that predicts or causes changes in the dependent variable
What is a “moderating” vs “mediating” variable
Moderating: A third party variable that affects the nature of the relationship between dependent and independent variables (factors that might affect the outcome or change the relationship between IV and DV)
Mediating: A variable that can help explain why a dependent and independent variable might be related (why a certain behavior happens)
What are the two parameters to measure vairables?
1) Reliability
2) Variability
What is “reliability”
Consistency across variables (Ex. If someone is asked several questions about how happy they are with their current job, they should respond similarly to each of them)
What is “validity”
How accurately the variables represent what they are actually trying to measure
What is “convergent” vs “discriminant” validity
Convergent validity: Two measures of the same variable should have similar results, indicates a strong relationship between different measures of the same variable
Discriminant validity: Measurements of two different variables should not be similar, indicates weak relationship between measures of different variables
What is “observational research”
Examining a group in an organized setting by listening and watching to what they are saying and doing
What are the two observational research methods
1) Participant observation
2) Direct observation
What is “participant observation,” and it’s pros/cons
Participant observation is when the researcher becomes part of the organization they are observing
Pros: Participants won’t know they are being studied
Cons: Researcher could unknowingly influence other’s actions (hawthorne effect)
What is “direct observation” and it’s pros/cons
Direct observation is when the researcher makes observations without actively engaging in the activity being observed
Pros: Researchers won’t influence any actions, and doesn’t have to spend time training and learning skills to observe
Cons: Lack of control over the environment being studied
What is “correlational research”
Examining and measuring specific variables and the relationship among them without introducing change into the environment
What are the three correlational research methods
1) Surveys
2) Interviews
3) Pre-existing data
What is “cross-sectional” vs “longitudinal” design
Cross-sectional design: When both dependent and independent variables are measured at the same time
Longitudinal design: When the independent variables are measured, and then dependent variables are measured at a later date
What is “experimental research”
Systematically manipulating an independent variable, controlling other factors, and using random assignment to test its causal effect on a dependent variable (requires a control group)
What is “internal” vs “external” validity
Internal validity: The researcher’s confidence that the changes in DV are the result of a change in IV)
External validity: How generalized their results are compared to other samples or other similar studies
What is the “Hawthorne effect”
When participants feel a psychological need to act differently since they know they are being observed
What are the two experimental research methods?
1) Laboratory experiment
2) Field experiment
What is a “laboratory experiment,” and it’s pros/cons
A laboratory experiment is a study conducted in a controlled, artificial environment created by the researcher
Pros: Very controlled (therefore higher internal validity)
Cons: Less realistic
What is a “field experiment,” and it’s pros/cons
A field experiment takes place in a natural setting such as an organization
Pros: Very realistic
Cons: Less controlled
