BPCC-105 Final Exam: Key Concepts Review
BPCC-105: Final 20-Point Review Checklist
I. Foundations and Ethics
- Goals of Research: The four goals are to Describe (what), Explain (why/cause), Predict (when/relationship), and Control (influence behavior). Scientific research must achieve these systematically.
- Characteristics of Science: Research must be Empirical (based on observation), Objective (unbiased), Verifiable (replicable), and Systematic (planned steps) to maintain scientific rigor and credibility.
- Ethical Issues (Mandatory): Researchers must ensure Informed Consent (voluntary), Confidentiality/Anonymity, freedom from Harm (non-maleficence), and full Debriefing (explaining the study) to protect participants.
II. Variables and Hypothesis
Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is manipulated by the researcher; it is the presumed cause in a cause-and-effect relationship. It has at least two levels (conditions).
Dependent Variable (DV): The variable that is measured by the researcher; it is the presumed effect or outcome. Its change is dependent on the IV.
Extraneous Variables (EVs): Unwanted variables that can influence the DV, threatening the study’s validity. They must be controlled using techniques like Random Assignment to isolate the IV’s effect.
Hypothesis Definition and Sources: A tentative, testable statement predicting a relationship. Sources include Theory, observation, and previous research findings.
Null Hypothesis ($H_0$): States there is no significant relationship or difference between variables. This is the statement the researcher tries to reject through statistical testing.
Research Hypothesis ($H_1$): The scientist’s prediction, stating a relationship exists. It is Directional (predicts the direction of change) or Non-Directional (predicts only a difference).
Constructs & Operational Definition: Constructs are abstract concepts (e.g., Intelligence). An Operational Definition converts the construct into a concrete, measurable variable (e.g., Intelligence $\rightarrow$ Score on an IQ test).
III. Design and Control
Experimental Design: Involves manipulation of the IV and high control over EVs, often using control groups and random assignment. It is the only design that can establish cause-and-effect.
Correlational/Field Study: Measures variables as they naturally occur without manipulation or high control. It can only establish a relationship between variables, not causation (due to the third variable problem).
Field Experiment: Manipulation of the IV occurs in a natural, real-world setting. It has higher ecological validity (real-world generalizability) but lower control than a lab experiment.
Control Techniques: Procedures like Randomization (to equalize groups), Matching (to pair similar subjects), and Counterbalancing (to manage order effects) are used to minimize EV influence on the DV.
Mixed Methods Research: A research approach that combines both Quantitative (numbers) and Qualitative (stories) data within a single study to gain a richer, more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon.
IV. Measurement and Reporting
Reliability and Types: Refers to the consistency of a measure. Types include Test-Retest (consistency over time), Split-Half (consistency across items), and Inter-Rater (consistency across observers/scorers).
Validity and Types: Refers to the accuracy of a measure—that it measures what it claims. Types include Content (covers all aspects), Criterion (predicts an outcome), and Construct (measures the underlying concept).
Scales of Measurement (NOIR): The four levels are Nominal (labels), Ordinal (rank), Interval (equal distance, no true zero), and Ratio (true zero point). These determine statistical analysis choice.
Sampling Types: Probability Sampling (e.g., Random, Stratified) gives every member a known chance of selection (representative). Non-Probability (e.g., Convenience, Purposive) relies on accessibility or judgment.
Research Report Structure: Follows the IMRAD format: Introduction (Hypothesis), Method (Participants, Procedure), Results (Data), And Discussion (Interpretation, Limitations). The Abstract summarizes the whole report.