The Scientific Method
This aspect of the scientific method is an explanation of how some mental process or behavior occurs.
This is the variable that is measured.
Dependent variable.
This is the general group an experimenter wants to know about.
Population.
This descriptive method intensely examines either one person (or organization) or a few individuals (or organizations).
Case study.
The third step to the scientific method is selecting one of these, a way to collect data.
Research method.
This is the variable that is manipulated.
Independent variable.
This is a sample consisting of people who are conveniently available for the study.
Convenience sample.
This type of method tests causation.
Experimental.
This step of the scientific process involves developing one of these, which is an attempt to answer a theory's questions.
Hypothesis.
This is a variable (other than the IV) that may affect the DV.
Confounding variable.
This is necessary to determine the direction of causality.
Control.
This type of session occurs when researchers directly participate in an observed session.
Observational study with intervention.
This step of the scientific method involves finding out whether the results support the hypothesis.
Analyzing data.
This is the group that does not receive any intervention.
Control (baseline) group.
This is the process of giving each participant an equal chance of being assigned to either the control group or the experimental group of the independent variables.
Random assignment.
This method examines natural relationships among variables with no attempt to alter them or assign causation.
Correlational.
This is the repetition of an experiment to confirm results.
Replication.
This is the subset of people chosen to participate in a study.
Sample.
This sampling method gives each member of the population an equal chance of inclusion in the sample.
Random sample.
This method tests whether a change in an independent variable causes a change in a dependent variable.
Experimental.