1.3 Research methods in psychology

Question 1

Empirical approach

Answer 1

A method of developing knowledge based on evaluating evidence gathered from experiments and careful observation.

Question 2

Inference

Answer 2

A conclusion drawn from observations.

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

A formulation that accounts for relationships among observed events or experimental findings in a way that makes them more understandable and predictable.

Question 4

Variables

Answer 4

Factors or measurements that vary within an experiment or among individuals.

Question 5

Scientific method

Answer 5

A method of inquiry involving careful observation and use of experimental methods.

Question 6

Statistics

Answer 6

The branch of mathematics involving the tabulation, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data.

Question 7

Replication

Answer 7

The attempt to duplicate findings.

Question 8

Case study method

Answer 8

An in depth study of one or more individuals

Question 9

Survey method

Answer 9

A research method in which structured interviews or questionnaires are used to gather information about groups of people.

Question 10

Structured interview

Answer 10

An interview where a set of specific questions are asked in a particular order

Question 11

Questionnaire

Answer 11

A written set of questions or statement to which people reply by marking their spots on an answer form.

Question 12

Population

Answer 12

All the individuals or organisms that constitute particular groups.

Question 13

Samples

Answer 13

Subsets of population.

Question 14

Random sampling

Answer 14

A method of sampling in which each individual in the population has an equal chance at getting selected.

Question 15

Social Desirability Bias

Answer 15

The tendency to answer a questionnaire in a socially desirable manner.

Question 16

Volunteer bias

Answer 16

The type of bias that arises when people who volunteer to participate in a survey or research study possess characteristics that make them unrepresentative of the population from which they are drawn.

Question 17

Naturalistic observation method

Answer 17

A method of research based on careful observation of behavior in natural settings.

Question 18

Correlational method

Answer 18

A research method used to examine relationships between variables, which are expressed in the form of a statistical measure called a correlation coefficient.

Question 19

Correlation coefficient

Answer 19

A statistical measure of association between two variables that can vary from -1.00 to +1.00

Question 20

Experimental method

Answer 20

A method of scientific investigation involving the manipulation of independent variables and observation or measurement of their effects on dependent variables under controlled conditions.

Question 21

Independent variables

Answer 21

Factors that are manipulated in an experiment.

Question 22

Dependent variables

Answer 22

The effects or outcomes in an experiment that are believed to be dependent on the values of the independent variables.

Question 23

Operational definition

Answer 23

A definition of a variable based on the procedures or operations used to measure it,

Question 24

Control groups

Answer 24

Groups of participants in a research experiment who do not receive the experimental treatment or intervention.

Question 25

Random assignment

Answer 25

A method used to randomly assign to experimental or control groups.

Question 26

Placebo

Answer 26

An inert substance or experimental condition that resembles the active treatment.

Question 27

Placebo effects

Answer 27

Positive outcome of an experiment resulting from a participants positive expectations about the treatment rather than from the treatment itself.

Question 28

Single blind studies

Answer 28

In drug research, studies in which subjects are kept uninformed on weather they are receiving the experimental drug or a placebo.

Question 29

Double blind studies

Answer 29

In drug research, studies in which both experimenters and participants both are kept uninformed on which participants are receiving the active drug and which are taking the placebo.

Question 30

ethics review committees

Answer 30

Committees that evaluate whether proposed studies meet ethical guidelines.

Question 31

Informed consent

Answer 31

Agreement to participate in a study following disclosure of information about the purposes and nature of the study and its potential risks and benefits.