2.1 Principles of Scientific Research

Question 1

Objective measurements

Answer 1

the measure of an entity or behaviour that, within an allowed margin of error, is consistent across instruments and observers

Question 2

Characteristics of quality scientific research

Answer 2

objective/valid/reliable measurements, generalized, reduce bias, public, replicated

Question 3

Variable

Answer 3

the object, concept, or event being controlled, manipulated, or measured by a scientist

Question 4

Operational definitions

Answer 4

are statements that describe the procedures/operations and specific measures that are used to record observations

Question 5

Validity

Answer 5

the degree to which an instrument or procedure actually measures what it claims to measure

Question 6

Reliability

Answer 6

when it provides consistent and stable answers across multiple observations and points in time

Question 7

Generalizability

Answer 7

refers to the degree to which one set of results can be applied to other situations, individuals, or events

Question 8

Population

Answer 8

the group that researchers want to generalize about

Question 9

Sample

Answer 9

select group of population members

Question 10

Random sample

Answer 10

a sampling technique in which every individual of a population has an equal chance of being included

Question 11

Convenience samples

Answer 11

samples of individuals who are the most readily available

Question 12

Ecological validity

Answer 12

meaning that the results of a laboratory study can be applied to or repeated in the natural environment

Question 13

Hawthorne effect

Answer 13

behaviour change that occurs as a result of being observed

Question 14

Social desirability

Answer 14

participants may respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favourably by the experimenter and/or other participants

Question 15

Placebo effect

Answer 15

a measurable and experienced improvement in health or behaviour that cannot be attributable to a medication or treatment

Question 16

Demand characteristics

Answer 16

inadvertent cues given off by the experimenter or the experimental context that provide information about how participants are expected to behave

Question 17

Single-blind study

Answer 17

the participants do not know the true purpose of the study, or else do not know which type of treatment they are receiving

Question 18

Double-blind study

Answer 18

a study in which neither the participant nor the experimenter knows the exact treatment for any individual

Question 19

Peer review

Answer 19

a process in which papers submitted for publication in scholarly journals are read and critiqued by experts in the specific field of study

Question 20

Replication

Answer 20

is the process of repeating a study and finding a similar outcome each time

Question 21

Falsifiable

Answer 21

the hypothesis is precise enough that it can be proven false

Question 22

Anecdotal evidence

Answer 22

an individual’s story or testimony about an observation or event that is used to make a claim as evidence

Question 23

Appeal to authority

Answer 23

the belief in an “expert’s” claim even when no supporting data or scientific evidence is present

Question 24

Appeal to common sense

Answer 24

a claim that appears to be sound but lacks supporting scientific evidence