Research definitions.

Essay by gramnet July 2003

download word file, 5 pages 4.3

Research definitions

Variable -that, which varies, or is subject to change.

Independent Variable -the experimental variable or variable that is manipulated by the research and has some effect on the Dependent Variable. If there is a change or effect, we may conclude that affected the Independent Variable affected the Dependent Variable.

Dependent - we can define the dependent variable as the variable that is being measured. It is this variable that we, as the researchers, look at for change. IF there is a change, we may conclude that the IV affected the DV.

Sample-a small part of something intended as representative of the whole 2: items selected from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population

Random sample -a sample in which every element in the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Stratified sample - the population is divided into strata and a random sample is taken from each stratum.

Convenience sample -is a sample where the patients are selected, in part or in whole, at the convenience of the researcher. The researcher makes no attempt, or only a limited attempt, to insure that this sample is an accurate representation of some larger group or population -a collection of items of interest in research. The population represents a group that you wish to generalize your research to. Populations are often defined in terms of demography, geography, occupation, time, care requirements, diagnosis, or some combination of the above.

Subject - an individual whose reactions or responses are studied

Experimenter Bias -The argument draws a conclusion from data that has been influenced by the expectations and hopes of the person collecting the data. In most cases this influence is unconscious and unintentional, but there have also been cases of outright fraud.

Blind procedure -

Double-Blind Procedure: This...