Research Methods and Data Analysis

Experiment

Manipulates independent variable (IV) to measure the effect on the dependent variable (DV) (cause-and-effect)

Operational Definition

How a variable is measured in the study

Correlational Study

Examines the relationship between two variables without manipulating them. It does not establish causation.

Comparing Mean & Standard Deviation

Mean: Average of data (higher mean = better performance in many cases)
Standard Deviation (SD): Measures spread (high SD = more variation, low SD = more consistency)

Case Study

In-depth study of a single individual or small group over time

Ethical Guidelines

• Informed Consent: Participants agree before the study
• Confidentiality: Data protected
• Debriefing: Participants informed after the study
• Protection from Harm: No physical/psychological harm

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in a real-world setting without interference

Generalizability

• Sample Size: Small = less generalizable
• Sample Diversity: If only one demographic → Limited application
• Setting: Lab experiments may not reflect real-world behavior

Survey Research

Collecting self-reported data from many participants

Supporting or Refuting a Hypothesis

1. Identify hypothesis (e.g., "Increased sleep improves test performance")
2. State findings (e.g., "Group A scored 85%, Group B scored 65%")
3. Explain whether results support/refute hypothesis

Research Method

The researchers used [method] because they [reason why method fits study]. This method was appropriate because [explanation of its advantages in this context].

Operational Definition

The researchers defined [variable] as [specific measurement]. This operational definition allows for [reason why it is precise or valid].

Mean & Standard Deviation

The mean for [group] was [value], while for [group] it was [value], suggesting [conclusion about effect]. The standard deviation for [group] was [value], meaning [explanation of consistency or variability].

Ethical Guidelines

The researchers followed [ethical guideline] by [how they ensured compliance]. This was important because [why this ethical guideline matters].

Generalizability

The findings (are/are not) highly generalizable because [factor limiting/applying to wider population]. Since the sample was [describe population], the results (may/may not) apply to [broader group].

Supporting or Refuting a Hypothesis

The findings (support/refute) the hypothesis because [evidence from the study]. This suggests that [implication of results].