the collection of data from a representative sample at only one point in time
trend studies
a longitudinal study in which a topic is restudied using different groups of respondents
ex. the Roper studies on the credibility of the media
Cohort analysis
a study of a specific population as it changes over time
panel studies
a research technique in which the same sample of respondents is measured at different points in time
confounding variables
variables that the researcher failed to control, or eliminate, damaging the internal validity of an experiment
cultivation effect
a research approach suggesting that heavy TV viewing leads to perceptions of social reality that are consistent with the view of the world as presented on TV
debriefing
after an experiment or study has been concluded
involves a structured interview bw researcher & the subjects whereby all elements of the study are discussed in detail
experimental design
blueprint or set of plans for conducting lab research
factor
a multivariate stat procedure used primarily for data reduction, construct development, and the investigation of variable relationships