UIUC CMN 102 FINAL EXAM - Prof Quick UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Reasons scientists perform research to explain, predict, and make a difference
Variable any concept that can have two or more values
conceptual definition of a variable a statement that describes a concept in terms of its theoretical concept; anger is
conceptually defined as an emotional state of displeasure
operational definition of a variable a statement that describes a concept in terms of its observable characteristics or
behavior; anger could be operationally measured on a 1 = disagree to 7 = agree
scale
Hypothesis an educated guess based on observations and previous research
Research question general question with no evidence
confounding variable variables that include those that are not assessed but obscure the relationship
between two measured variables. the only variables not measured in the study
independent variable variables that are manipulated to see which scenario is best (the cause)
dependent variable variable whose values depend on that of another (the effect)
How is experimental research categorized? every person has an equal chance at experiencing a different condition
O measurement
X message
R random assignment
one-shot case study Group 1: X O1
Pros: short term gain, time efficient
Cons: only 1 group selected /no comparison group, no randomization, no pretest
Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design Group 1: R O1 X O2
Group 2: R O1 O2
Pros: randomization increases the quality of results
Cons: Only 2 groups, both groups are given a pretest which sensitizes them
Posttest-Only Control Group Design Group 1: R X O1
Group 2: R O1
Pros: randomization, no pretest
Cons: no pretest- but not necessarily a bad thing
CORRECT Answers
Reasons scientists perform research to explain, predict, and make a difference
Variable any concept that can have two or more values
conceptual definition of a variable a statement that describes a concept in terms of its theoretical concept; anger is
conceptually defined as an emotional state of displeasure
operational definition of a variable a statement that describes a concept in terms of its observable characteristics or
behavior; anger could be operationally measured on a 1 = disagree to 7 = agree
scale
Hypothesis an educated guess based on observations and previous research
Research question general question with no evidence
confounding variable variables that include those that are not assessed but obscure the relationship
between two measured variables. the only variables not measured in the study
independent variable variables that are manipulated to see which scenario is best (the cause)
dependent variable variable whose values depend on that of another (the effect)
How is experimental research categorized? every person has an equal chance at experiencing a different condition
O measurement
X message
R random assignment
one-shot case study Group 1: X O1
Pros: short term gain, time efficient
Cons: only 1 group selected /no comparison group, no randomization, no pretest
Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design Group 1: R O1 X O2
Group 2: R O1 O2
Pros: randomization increases the quality of results
Cons: Only 2 groups, both groups are given a pretest which sensitizes them
Posttest-Only Control Group Design Group 1: R X O1
Group 2: R O1
Pros: randomization, no pretest
Cons: no pretest- but not necessarily a bad thing
