1. Introduction, Data Literacy, and Variables Flashcards
What are the six steps of empirical research in quantitative studies?
Research Question, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Reporting Results
What is the primary focus of quantitative data?
Measuring ‘how many’ or ‘how much’ with numerical values.
What is the primary focus of qualitative data?
Exploring ‘how’ and ‘why’ with textual or descriptive data.
Why is quantitative research important in psychology?
It supports evidence-based practice, such as assessing therapy effectiveness and analyzing mental health trends.
Define data literacy in psychology.
The ability to read, understand, evaluate, and make decisions based on data.
What are the four key skills of data literacy?
Reading data (interpreting graphs and statistics), Critical thinking (identifying biases and limitations), Decision-making (using data to guide actions), Communicating insights (explaining findings effectively)
What are practical applications of data literacy in psychology?
Understanding survey results, interpreting behavioral study patterns, and evaluating psychological assessments.
What is a variable in research?
A characteristic or property that can take on different values.
What are the three main types of variables?
Categorical Variables, Numerical Variables, continuous vs discrete
What are the subtypes of categorical variables?
Nominal: No inherent order (e.g., gender, ethnicity). Ordinal: Ordered categories without equal intervals (e.g., education levels).
What are the subtypes of numerical variables?
Interval: Equal intervals but no true zero (e.g., temperature in Celsius). Ratio: Equal intervals with a true zero (e.g., height, weight).
What is the difference between continuous and discrete variables?
Continuous: Can take any value within a range (e.g., income). Discrete: Takes distinct, countable values (e.g., number of children).
What is an operational definition in research?
Assigning specific measurement criteria to abstract concepts to make them measurable.
Define independent and dependent variables.
Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated or controlled by the researcher (e.g., study time). Dependent Variable (DV): Measured outcome influenced by the IV (e.g., test scores).
What does it mean for variables to be associated?
If one variable predicts another, they are considered associated.
Give an example of an independent and dependent variable relationship.
Political affiliation (IV) might predict voting behavior (DV).
What are the two main types of statistical methods?
Descriptive Statistics (summarizes observed data), Inferential Statistics (generalizes findings to a population)
What are some common data analysis tools used in psychology?
SPSS (for statistical analysis), Excel (for organizing and analyzing data)
What are best practices for effective data analysis?
Cumulative learning for retention, Critical engagement with methodologies, Focusing on result interpretation over complex calculations
How does research design impact a study?
It determines how participants are selected, what tools are used, and how data is collected and analyzed.
What are examples of how quantitative research supports psychology?
Assessing therapy effectiveness
Analyzing survey trends in mental health
Evaluating intervention outcomes
What is the importance of data visualization in research?
It simplifies complex data through graphs, charts, and tables to aid interpretation and communication.
What are examples of data visualization tools?
Bar charts
Histograms
Box plots
What are the key criteria for a good operational definition?
Clarity and precision
Measurability
Reproducibility
What are the ethical considerations when collecting data?
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Data integrity and accuracy
What challenges can arise when working with survey data?
Response bias
Missing data
Sampling errors
What is the significance of making data-driven decisions in psychology?
It ensures interventions and policies are based on objective evidence rather than intuition.
How do researchers ensure data validity and reliability?
By using standardized measurement tools and consistent data collection methods.
What is the role of replication in quantitative research?
To verify results and ensure findings are reliable and applicable across different contexts.
