Levels of Measurement
The level of measurement used for categories like gender or hair color.
What is nominal?
This process ensures every person in a population has an equal chance of being chosen to participate.
What is random selection?
In a study testing the effects of sleep on mood, sleep is this kind of variable.
What is an independent variable?
A researcher uses a random number generator to pick participants from a list.
What is simple random sampling?
This type of research focuses on understanding human experiences and meaning.
What is qualitative research?
Class ranks (1st, 2nd, 3rd) reflect this level of measurement.
What is ordinal?
This process is used to assign participants to experimental or control groups.
What is random assignment?
In a study measuring the effects of therapy on anxiety levels, anxiety is this type of variable.
What is a dependent variable?
Participants are selected because they are easy to access, like students in a class.
What is convenience sampling?
This design involves manipulation and control to test cause and effect.
What is an experimental design?
A thermometer reading in Celsius represents this level of measurement.
What is interval?
This method increases the generalizability of a study’s results.
What is random selection?
This variable is sometimes called the “outcome” variable.
What is the dependent variable?
A researcher selects subgroups (e.g., age groups) and randomly selects from each.
What is stratified sampling?
Participants are studied over a long period of time in this design.
What is a longitudinal design?
Weight measured in pounds is an example of this level.
What is ratio?
This method increases the internal validity of a study.
What is random assignment?
This variable is manipulated by the researcher.
What is the independent variable?
This sampling method uses participants who refer others to the study.
What is snowball sampling?
This design compares different age groups at one point in time.
What is a cross-sectional design?
This level of measurement has a true zero and equal intervals between values.
What is ratio?
In an experimental study, this method must be used to fairly test cause-and-effect relationships.
What is random assignment?
In a study testing different teaching methods and the impact on student performance, the independent variable is the ______ and the dependent variable is the ______.
What is the teaching method and student performance?
A researcher divides a population into clusters (like schools) and randomly selects entire clusters.
What is cluster sampling?
Surveys and statistical analyses are most used in this approach.
What is quantitative research?