1 Flashcards
What is operationalization in research?
Turning abstract concepts into measurable variables.
Why is operationalization important?
It ensures clarity and allows concepts to be tested empirically.
Why must a hypothesis be falsifiable?
To ensure it can be tested and potentially disproven.
What was a major criticism of Asch’s experiment?
It lacked ecological validity due to artificial tasks.
What was the Stanford Prison Experiment designed to study?
How roles and situations influence behavior.
What is a between-subjects design?
A design where different participants are assigned to each condition.
What is a within-subjects design?
A design where the same participants are exposed to all conditions.
What is the main advantage of a within-subjects design?
It controls for individual differences by using participants as their own control.
What are the disadvantages of a between-subjects design?
Larger sample sizes are needed, and results may be affected by individual differences.
What is nominal data?
Categorical data without any order or ranking, like colors or names.
What is ordinal data?
Ordered data without consistent intervals, such as rankings.
What is interval data?
Data with equal intervals but no true zero, like temperature in Celsius.
What is ratio data?
Data with equal intervals and a true zero, like height or time.
Why does data level matter?
It determines the statistical tests that can be applied.
What is the goal of experimental research?
To establish causation by controlling variables and eliminating confounds.
What is co-variation?
A relationship where two variables change together.
What is the importance of time-order relationships in research?
They establish that the cause precedes the effect.
What is a confounding variable?
An external factor that can affect the results of a study, complicating causation.
How does sample size impact research findings?
Larger samples reduce error variance and increase the power of the study.
What is statistical power?
The likelihood of detecting a true effect in a study.
How does the number of conditions affect sample size needs?
More conditions in a study require larger sample sizes.
What is the advantage of ratio data over interval data?
Ratio data allows for meaningful comparisons using ratios, while interval data does not.
What is the significance of using R in PSYC134?
It enables data visualization and statistical analysis in research.
What are the four key steps in designing an experiment?
Define concepts, operationalize variables, control for confounds, and collect data systematically.
What is a hypothesis?
A prediction about the relationship between variables that can be tested.
What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?
A theory is a framework for understanding phenomena, while a hypothesis is a specific testable prediction.
What makes a study ethically sound?
Informed consent, minimizing harm, and ensuring confidentiality.
Why is replication important in research?
It verifies the reliability and validity of findings.
What is the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?
Descriptive statistics summarize data, while inferential statistics draw conclusions about a population.
What are common confounds in psychological research?
Variables like socioeconomic status, education, or environment that can affect outcomes.
How do natural group designs differ from experiments?
Natural group designs compare existing groups without manipulating variables.
What is the role of random assignment in experiments?
To ensure that groups are comparable and reduce bias.
Why is peer review critical in psychological research?
It evaluates the validity, significance, and originality of studies before publication.
