Research Methods Week 2

Research Methods Week 2

1. Theories & Hypotheses

   • Fact - a statement about a direct observation of nature that is so consistently repeated that virtually no doubt exists as to its truth value
   • Theory - a collection of statements (propositions, hypotheses) that together attempt to explain a set of observed phenomena
     • Integrated set of proposals that define, explain, organism interrelate - proposals that provide a model of how observed phenomena work
       • Makes general predictions upon which specific hypothesis can be based
   • Hypothesis - a clear but tentative explanation for an observed phenomena
     • Hypotheses make specific predictions and must be falsifiable, testable and precisely stated
       • Must be rational - consistent with known info
       • Must be parsimonious - is the explanation the simplest possible?

2. Constructs vs variables

   • Constructs - Theoretical concepts formulated to serve as causal or descriptive explanations - do not directly indicate a means by which they can be tested
   • Constructs defines by theoretical definitions Variables defined by operational definitions
   • Variables - any characteristics that can assume multiple values e.g weight, test score - must be operational
   • Examples of constructs - self esteem, body image - variables would be scores on self esteem test
     • Independent variables - variable that is manipulated and is hypothesised to bring about the change in the variable of interest
     • Dependent variable - variable that is measured

3. Subjects Design

   • Between Subjects - exposed to one level of IV
   • Within Subjects - exposed to all levels of IV
   • Mixed Designs - mixture of between and within