Research Methods Flashcards

A researcher wants to measure the same concept with two different instruments on the same day to assess consistency. This approach tests which type of reliability?

Answer: Parallel forms reliability

Parallel forms reliability is assessed by administering two equivalent versions of a measure to the same group at the same time.

In an experiment, the group that does NOT receive the treatment is called the:

Answer: Control group

The control group serves as the baseline by not receiving the experimental treatment, allowing comparison with the experimental group.

Which sampling method divides the population into subgroups and randomly samples from each subgroup proportionally?

Answer: Stratified random sampling

Stratified random sampling ensures representation from every key subgroup by drawing random samples from each stratum.

A p-value of 0.03 in a study with a significance threshold of α = 0.05 means the researcher should:

Answer: Reject the null hypothesis

Because p = 0.03 < α = 0.05, the result is statistically significant and the null hypothesis is rejected.

Which of the following is a primary source of data?

Answer: Raw survey responses collected by the researcher

Primary sources are original, first-hand data collected directly by the researcher, such as raw survey responses.

Operational definitions in research serve to:

Answer: Specify exactly how a variable will be measured

An operational definition translates an abstract concept into a measurable procedure, ensuring consistency and replicability.

A researcher observes that students who own more books score higher on reading tests. This finding is best described as:

Answer: A correlation

A correlation describes the relationship between two variables without implying that one causes the other.