Research Methods Week 2

Theories & Hypotheses
1. Fact - a statement about a direct observation of nature that is so consistently repeated that virtually no doubt exists as to its truth value
2. Theory - a collection of statements (propositions, hypotheses) that together attempt to explain a set of observed phenomena
  1. Integrated set of proposals that define, explain, organism interrelate - proposals that provide a model of how observed phenomena work
    1. Makes general predictions upon which specific hypothesis can be based
3. Hypothesis - a clear but tentative explanation for an observed phenomena
  1. Hypotheses make specific predictions and must be falsifiable, testable and precisely stated
    1. Must be rational - consistent with known info
    2. Must be parsimonious - is the explanation the simplest possible?
Constructs vs variables
1. Constructs - Theoretical concepts formulated to serve as causal or descriptive explanations - do not directly indicate a means by which they can be tested
2. Constructs defines by theoretical definitions Variables defined by operational definitions
3. Variables - any characteristics that can assume multiple values e.g weight, test score - must be operational
4. Examples of constructs - self esteem, body image - variables would be scores on self esteem test
  1. Independent variables - variable that is manipulated and is hypothesised to bring about the change in the variable of interest
  2. Dependent variable - variable that is measured
Subjects Design
1. Between Subjects - exposed to one level of IV
2. Within Subjects - exposed to all levels of IV
3. Mixed Designs - mixture of between and within

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Research Methods Week 2

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	Created by Abbey W over 6 years ago