Research Design and Data
What separates opinion from insight? This chapter explores how research is structured — from study design to data collection — in the search for meaningful psychological understanding.
Case Study
Definition An in-depth study of a single case or a small group. Example A researcher wants to st...
Correlation
Definition A statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables are related. E...
Cross-Sectional Study
Definition A study that analyzes data from a population at a single point in time. Example A res...
Dependent Variable
Definition The variable that is measured in a study to see the effect of the independent variable...
Experiment
Definition A research method that involves manipulating one variable to determine its effect on a...
Independent Variable
Definition The variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable. Exa...
Literature Review
Definition A summary of existing research related to a specific topic. Example A researcher want...
Longitudinal Study
Definition Research that involves repeated observations of the same variables over time. Example...
Observational Research
Definition Research in which the investigator observes and records behavior without manipulating ...
Population
Definition The entire group of individuals relevant to a particular research question. Example A...
Qualitative Research
Definition Research involving non-numerical data, often used to understand concepts or experience...
Quantitative Research
Definition Research involving numerical data and statistical analysis. Example A researcher want...
Sample
Definition A subset of a population selected for study. Example A researcher is interested in vo...
Survey
Definition A method of data collection using questionnaires or interviews to gather information f...