Knowledge, Epistemology + Theory
Define Epistemology?
How we acquire knowledge
MEAN = MODE = MEDIAN = ?
Same outcome
Define a Dependent Variable?
Subject of your research = everything depends of this variable.
A dependent variable is the variable that changes as a result of the independent variable manipulation.
It's the outcome you're interested in measuring, and it “depends” on your independent variable.
What is another way to describe HYPOTHETICO-DEDUCTIVE REASONING?
The Scientific Method
Define Central Limit Theorem?
Approximates a normal distribution as the sample size gets larger, regardless of the population's distribution.
Define Independent Variable?
Cause of the Dependent Variable = Dictates design + analysis
It is a variable that stands alone and isn't changed by the other variables you are trying to measure.
1. Empiricism (inductive reasoning): use of sensory information to generate knowledge (observations + measurement)… assumption of scientific method (what we use mostly in criminology).
2. Rationalism (deductive reasoning): knowledge obtained through reasoning (rational argument)
What does a skewed distribution mean?
Skewness is demonstrated on a bell curve when data points are not distributed symmetrically to the left and right sides of the median on a bell curve.
If the bell curve is shifted to the left or the right, it is said to be skewed.
What is a Confound Variable?
An extraneous variable that impact the DV. Something that could potentially negatively impact your research.
What are the 5 basic steps of the scientific method?
1. Identification or clarification of a problem
2. Developing a hypothesis inductively from observations
3. Charting their implications by deduction
4. Practical or theoretical testing of hypothesis
5. Rejective or refining in the light of results
1. CENTRAL TENDENCY: centre of distribution
2. VARIABILITY: how wide the distribution is
3. SYMMETRY: is the distribution symmetrical?
Why do grouped variables use nominal data?
Nominal data is “labeled” or “named” data which can be divided into various groups that do not overlap. Data is not measured or evaluated in this case; it is just assigned to multiple groups.
List + define the 5 scientific method assumptions?
1. ORDER: the universe is an ordered system that can be investigated + the underlying 'rules' can be exposed
2. EXTERNAL REALITY: we all share the same reality that doesn't depend on our existence. We can therefore all equally contribute to + share knowledge that reflects this reality
3. RELIABILITY: we can rely on our senses + reasoning to produce facts that reliably interpret reality
4. PARSIMONY: the simpler the explanation, the better. Theories should be refined to the most compact formulation
5. GENERALITY: the 'rules' of reality discovered through research can be applied in all relevant situations, regardless of time + place
List + define the 4 types of QUANTITATIVE DATA + provide an example of each?
1. NOMINAL: Categories + arbitrary (assigning numbers to categories, but numbers don't actually mean anything – nominated a symbol to represent a number)
2. ORDINAL: categories, but not arbitrary = rank order (e.g. popularity of colours listed... but can't say how much more popular = this is rank order)
3. INTERVAL: scores not categories (e.g. likert scale) - even intervals between scores. Can have averages now + can analyse data.
4. RATIO: The same as interval, but has a TRUE ZERO (absence of) - (e.g. number of offences has 0, or absence of offences)
Why are continuous variables either interval or ratio? Provide an example of each.
1. Interval variables: Are variables for which their central characteristic is that they can be measured along a continuum and they have a numerical value (for example, temperature measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit).
2. Ratio variables: Are interval variables, but with the added condition that 0 (zero) of the measurement indicates that there is none of that variable. Examples include height, mass, distance + more.