1a. Steps in scientific research

Question 1

Independent variable

Answer 1

One that is manipulated by the researcher

Question 2

Dependent variable

Answer 2

Variable that is measured by researcher. Assumed that it changes as a result of independent variable.

Question 3

What are operationalized independent and dependent variables?

Answer 3

They are specific, defined IVs and DVs.

Question 4

How can you operationalize “effect of noise”?

Answer 4

Noise is very vague so use “Volume of music (0Db, 50Db, 100Db)” instead

Question 5

Controlled condition

Answer 5

One where IV is completely absent

Question 6

Random sampling

Answer 6

When everyone has equal opportunity of being part of the sample.

Question 7

Pros and cons of random sampling

Answer 7

If of sufficient size, it can make results generalizable however it’s not always possible. If target population is global, one has to assume cross-cultural differences don’t matter otherwise results may only apply to target population in that area

Question 8

Stratified sampling

Answer 8

Recruits participants in a way that keeps same proportions in sample as observed in the population

Question 9

Opportunity/Convenience sampling + examples + when is it used

Answer 9

• Recruits participants that are easily available.
• Eg. Professors often use college students
• Occurs when time or financial resources are limited

Question 10

Limitation of convenience sampling

Answer 10

There is limited representativeness

Question 11

Self-selected sampling

Answer 11

Recruiting volunteers through advertising

Question 12

Pros and cons of self-selected sampling

Answer 12

Pros:
- Quick 
- Easy with wide coverage 
Cons:
- Representativeness 
- Volunteers may only come for money or other incentives

Question 13

Purposive sampling

Answer 13

Participants are picked based on characteristics. Proportions and sample size are not defined

Question 14

Snowball sampling + when is it used

Answer 14

Small number of participants are invited and then asked to invite other people they know. Used when there are insufficient resources to carefully select participants or target population is difficult to reach like drug users or youth gang members

Question 15

Sampling frame

Answer 15

Accessible portion of target population

Question 16

Theoretical saturation

Answer 16

Point at which additional data will not give extra insight

Question 17

Sampling techniques

Answer 17

Process of finding and recruiting people from target population for study

Question 18

Target population

Answer 18

Specific group of people that researchers are interested in studying for the study and to whom findings of study will be applied

Question 19

Representativeness

Answer 19

Level of how well/accurately something reflects upon a sample

Question 20

Psychology

Answer 20

Scientific study of mind and human behaviour

Question 21

Mind

Answer 21

Collective function of the brain. Includes processes like decision making, problem solving, memory, learning etc.

Question 22

Behaviour

Answer 22

Coordinated responses of living organisms to internal and all external stimuli

Question 23

Anecdotal evidence

Answer 23

Evidence collected in a casual or informal manner. Often relies on personal experience

Question 24

Empirical evidence

Answer 24

Evidence collected through scientific method based on observation and/or experimentation

Question 25

Attitude

Answer 25

Feelings of liking or disliking towards a person, idea or object

Question 26

Placebo effect

Answer 26

Situation where people believe they have received treatment. Any beneficial effect is often from person’s belief in the treatment

Question 27

Bidirectional ambiguity

Answer 27

In correlational research, it is often not possible to know if X caused Y, Y caused X or if there was an unknown third variable