What are the 3 different types of variables in scientific research?
- Independent variable
- Dependent variable
- Confounding/control variable
In science, what is a variable?
A factor or condition that can be changed or controlled, used to see relationship with other variables
What are the 7 steps in the Scientific Method?
- Theory
- Hypothesis
- Design Study/Experiment
- Run Test/Record Observation
- Analyze Data
- Draw Conclusion
- Communicate Results
What is a theory?
A set of principles that explain, organize, and help predict behaviour or events
What is a hypothesis?
A specific, testable prediction formed from theory
What are some techniques used to collect data in an experiment?
- Direct observation
- Questionnaires/surveys
- Interviews
- Psychological tests
- Examining archival data
What are the 3 measures of central tendency?
- Mean - average of all numbers
- Median - middle number in a set when data is arranged in numerical order
- Mode - most common number that appears
When plotted on a graph, what does normal distribution look like and what is special about it?
A bell curve, where the 3 measures of central tendency are equal
In a normal distribution, about what percent does the empirical rule state that the results are within 1 SD of the mean? 2 SD? 3 SD?
- 68%
- 95%
- 99.7%
In statistics, what is range?
The difference between the lowest and highest scores in a dataset
What type of statistics allow us to determine if we can generalize findings from a sample to a whole population?
Inferential statistics (think inference)
What is the definition of probability?
The measurement of the likelihood of an event happening
What is the “P-Value” (probability value) and how does it help the researcher?
The indicator of how likely a result occurred purely by chance, helps the researcher determine the statistical significance of the results
What is statistical significance?
Quantifies if a result is likely due to chance or to the independent variable (IV)
To what P-value does the researcher set to determine if a result is statistically significant?
P = 0.05, or 5% or less of the time
What is a statistically significant result?
A small probability of a result of happening purely by chance
What does practical significance mean?
Real-world importance
What is a null hypothesis and what is an alternative hypothesis?
Null hypothesis - no relationship between two variables
Alternative hypothesis - rejection of null hypothesis
How might a researcher/research team disseminate/distribute their findings?
Through conference presentations, publications, etc.
How does the scientific method function in a “loop”?
The communicated results after an experiment are created into theories for another experiment to take from
What are the 3 different types/designs/categories of studies that researchers use?
- Descriptive
- Correlational
- Experimental
What does descriptive research do to collect data?
Describes and measures behaviours, traits, and/or attributions
What are some advantages and disadvantages of descriptive studies?
Advantages: Not as intrusive or personal compared to other studies, and can be easy to administer.
Disadvantages: Not very in-depth and limited data collected
What are some examples of descriptive studies?
Case studies and surveys
