1. chapter

Question 1

Scientific method

Answer 1

an approach through which psychologists systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behavior and other phenomena of interest.

Identify a question of interest
ther information and form a hypothesis
Test hypothesis by conducting research

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

a prediction, stemming from a theory, stated in a way that allows it to be tested.

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

a prediction, stemming from a theory, stated in a way that allows it to be tested.

Question 4

Operational definition

Answer 4

the translation of a hypothesis into specific, testable procedures that can be measured and observed.

Question 5

Theories

Answer 5

broad explanations and predictions concerning observations of interest.

Question 6

Psychologists rely on formal theories and hypotheses for many reasons:

Answer 6

To make sense of unorganized, separate observations and bits of data.
To place observations and data within a coherent framework.
To move beyond known facts and make deductions about unexplained phenomena.
To develop ideas for future investigation.

Question 7

Archival research

Answer 7

existing data are examined to test a hypothesis.
Advantage: inexpensive.
Disadvantage: the data may not be in a form that allows the researcher to test a hypothesis fully.
The information could be incomplete, or it could have been collected haphazardly.

Question 8

Naturalistic observation

Answer 8

an investigator observes some naturally occurring behavior and does not make a change in the situation.

Advantage: obtains a sample of what people do in their natural habitat.
Disadvantage: the inability to control any factors of interest.

Question 9

Survey Research

Answer 9

People are asked a series of questions about their behavior, thoughts, or attitudes
Population: all the individuals that we are interested in drawing a conclusion about
Sample: a subset of individuals drawn from the population
Representative sample reflects the important characteristics of the population. Unrepresentative samples may give faulty results (1948 Dewey vs. Truman)
Random Sampling: every member of the population has an equal probability of being chosen to participate

Advantage – can infer how a larger group would respond, if a representative sample is surveyed
Disadvantage – results will be inconsequential if the sample is not representative
Survey respondents may not want to admit to holding socially undesirable attitudes

Question 10

Case study

Answer 10

: an in-depth, intensive investigation of an individual or a small group of people.

Advantage: insights can improve our understanding of people in general.
Disadvantage: small samples or unique individuals make it impossible to make valid generalizations about a larger population.

Question 11

Correlational Research 1

Answer 11

Variables: behaviors, events, or other characteristics that can change, or vary, in some way.
Correlational research: the relationship between two sets of variables is examined to determine whether they are associated or correlated.
Disadvantage: correlational research cannot demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships.

Question 12

Problems with correlational research

Answer 12

Causality
Bidirectionality
Third-variable problem

Question 13

Advantages to correlational research:

Answer 13

Can establish generalization outside the laboratory
Can generate ideas for further laboratory study
Allows the examination of variables that may not be practical or ethical to study in the laboratory

Question 14

Experimental Research (1)

Answer 14

Experiment: Investigation of the relationship between two (or more) variables by:

Independent variable: The variable that is manipulated by an experimenter
Dependent variable: The variable that is measured

Experimental manipulation: Change that an experimenter deliberately produces in a situation

Experimental groups and control groups
Treatment/manipulation
Manipulation implemented by the experimenter
Experimental group
Any group participating in an experiment that receives a treatment
Control group
Group participating in an experiment that receives no treatment

Question 15

Random assignment to condition

Answer 15

Participants are assigned to different experimental groups or conditions on the basis of chance

Question 16

Significant outcome

Answer 16

Statistically meaningful results
Makes it possible for researchers to fee

Question 17

Replicated research

Answer 17

Research that is repeated, in other settings and with other groups of participants, to increase confidence in prior findings

Question 18

Experimental Research Between Subjects Design

Answer 18

Also called independent measures design
Different participants in each group. But two groups are expected to be equivalent at the begining of the experiment.
Random Assignment

Question 19

Experimental Research Within Subjects Design

Answer 19

Also called repeated measures design.
All participants could be exposed to all conditions of the independent variable
Placebo

Question 20

ETHICS CODE

Answer 20

Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility
Principle C: Integrity
Principle D: Justice
Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

Question 21

The Ethics of Research 1

Answer 21

Guidelines that protect participants:
Protection of participants from physical and mental harm.
The right of participants to privacy regarding their behavior.
The assurance that participation in research is completely voluntary.
The necessity of informing participants about the nature of procedures before their participation in the experiment.
All experiments must be reviewed by an independent panel before being conducted.

Question 22

Animal research allows for:

Answer 22

Posing different questions in different ways.
Greater experimental control.
Procedures that might ethically not be possible with people.