Research Ethics

CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHODS

Scientific Research

„X Theory is a broad set of statements describing the relation between the phenomenon and the factors assumed to affect it.

„X Law (principle) a predicted relation between phenomenon and a factor assumed to affect it that is supported by a good deal of scientific evidence.

„X Hypothesis is a predicted relation between phenomenon and a factor assumed to affect it that is not yet supported by a great deal of evidence. Hypotheses are tested in experimental investigations.

„X Objectivity is a characteristic of scientific research. It requires that the procedures and subject matter of investigations be formulated so that they could, in principle, be agreed on by everyone.

„X Objectivity helps reduce potential sources of bias that may enter into the research. (personal beliefs or preferences on the RQ)

Types of Research

„X Descriptive research is based solely on observations, with no attempt to determine systematic relation amount the variables.

„X Any factor that can take on different values along a dimension.

„X Correlation is the relation between two variables, described in terms of direction and strength.

„X Positive correlation is correlation between two variables change in the same direction.

„X Negative correlation is a correlation between two variables change is opposing directions.

„X Correlation coefficient (r) is a number between +1.00 and -1.00 that indicates the direction and strength of a correlation between two variables.

„X Experimental research is when the researcher actually conducts an experiment based on the RQ.

„X Independent variable is the variable in an experiment that is manipulated.

„X Dependant variable is the variable is predicted to change based on the independent variable.

„X Reverse-replication design (ARAB) is an experimental design in which the independent variable is presented and removed several times. Can be used in research experiments involving very few research participants.

Studying Development

„X Longitudinal design is