Key Terms
Basic research
Answers fundamental questions about behavior; no applied goal required Applied research: finds solutions to real-world p
Applied research
Investigates issues with real-world implications and provides solutions. Example: which therapy methods most effectively
Empirical
Based on systematic collection and analysis of data. Not philosophy, not intuition -- data.
Objective
Free from the personal bias or emotions of the scientist. Rules are designed so that other scientists can scrutinize the
Law
A principle so general it applies to all situations in a given domain. Already well-established; rarely directly tested.
Theory
An integrated set of principles that explains and predicts many (but not all) observed relationships in a domain. Broade
Research hypothesis
A specific and falsifiable prediction about the relationship between or among two or more variables. This is what gets d
FOUR characteristics of a good theory
1. General -- summarizes many different outcomes 2.
Variable
Any attribute that can assume different values among different people or across different times or places.
Conceptual variable
The abstract idea you are interested in. Example: anxiety, aggression, learning.
Measured variable
The specific numbers used to represent the conceptual variable.
Operational definition
The precise statement of how a conceptual variable is turned into a measured variable.
IRB
A committee of at least five members that evaluates the cost- benefit ratio of proposed research. Approves procedures be
Informed consent
Pre-participation explanation of procedures and participant rights Debriefing: post-participation explanation of true pu
Debriefing
Procedure conducted after participation; fully explains the purposes and procedures of the research and removes any harm