1.2 Scientific Investigation Methodologies

A methodology used to test a hypothesis in which the researcher systematically manipulates (changes) one or more variables to investigate what effect these manipulations have on another variable

A non-experimental study where the researcher investigates relationships between variables. Unlike in a controlled experiment, the researcher does not try to control or change any of the variables.

A relationship or association between two variables in a data set. It is a measure of the strength and direction of the relationship between the two variables.

If two variables are correlated, there is a relationship between them, but this does not mean that changes in the value of one variable causes changes in the value of the other variable e.g. people who get longer sleep may have better wellbeing but that doesn't mean that their sleep causes better wellbeing. Instead, people who get more sleep may also have more structured routines which leads to good wellbeing.

• Positive correlation – data slopes up diagonally in a graph
• Negative correlation – data slopes downwards in a graph

A detailed investigation of one instance of a broader phenomenon. A case study focuses on a particular person, activity, behaviour, event or problem in a real or hypothetical situation.

Classification is a scientific activity that seeks to systematically organise phenomena, objects or events into manageable sets

Identification is the process of recognising phenomena as belonging to particular sets or possibly being part of a new or unique set

Observing and interacting with a selected environment beyond the classroom or lab. It is used when researchers want to capture human thoughts, feelings and behaviours in a natural setting.

Creating a conceptual, mathematical or physical representation/model of a system of concepts, events or processes when it may be unrealistic or even impossible to test with real people

The design or evaluation of a process, system or artefact to meet a human need

A report produced by reading scientific research on a particular area and writing a summary