2.1 - Principles of Scientific Research Flashcards
Objectivity
certain facts about the world can be observed and tested independently from individual who describes them
Subjectivity
their knowledge of the event is shaped by prior beliefs, expectations, exp., and even their mood
Quality Scientific Research meets the following Criteria :
1) based on measurements that are OBJECTIVE, valid, and reliable
2) can be GENERALIZED
3) uses techniques that REDUCE BIAS
4) is made PUBLIC
5) can be REPLICATED
Objective Measurements
measure of a behaviour that, within an allowed margin of error, is consistent across observers
- quality of behaviour measured must be same regardless of who is doing the measuring and the tools they use
Variable
object, concept, or event being measured
Operational Definitions
statements that describe the procedures (or operations) and specific measures that are used to record observations
Spatial Reasoning
ability to look at objects and mentally manipulate them
Validity
degree to which an instrument or procedure actually measures what it claims to measure
Reliabiloty
when it provides consistent and stable answers across multiple observations and points in time
Different types of reliability that affect psychological research :
Test-retest = examines whether scores on a given measure of behaviour are consistent across test sessions
Alternate-forms = examines whether different forms of the same test produce the same results
Inter-rater = having more than one rater, raters agree on the measurements that were taken
Generalizability
degree to which one set of results can be applied to other situations, individuals, or events
Population
group that researchers want to generalize
Sample
a select group of population members
Random Sample
sampling technique in which every individual of a population has an equal chance of being included
Convenience Samples
samples of individuals who are the most readily available
Ecological Validity
results of a lab study can be applied to or repeated in the natural environment
Researcher Bias
treat participants in diff. experimental conditions differently
Subject/ Participant Bias
participant trying to figure out what the experimenters are testing and trying to predict the responses that the researchers are hoping to find
Hawthrone Effect
behaviour change that occurs as a result of being observed
Demand Characteristics
inadvertent cues given off by the experimenter or the experimental context that provide info. about how participants are expected to behave
*can affect participant performance and judgement
Social Desirability
research participants respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favorbly
*researcher and subject bias
Another Source of Bias
participants’ expectations of the effects of the treatment or manipulation (placebo effect)
Placebo Effect
a fake treatment can sometimes improve a patient’s condition simply because the person has the expectation that it will be helpful.
Anonymity
each individual’s responses are recorded w/o any name or info that could link a particular individual to specific results
*ensures honest responses from participants, more likely to provide info. on sensitive issues
Confidentiality
results will only be seen by the researcher
*ensures honest responses from participants, more likely to provide info. on sensitive issues
Single-Blind Study
the participants do not know the true purpose of the study, or do not know which type of treatment they are receiving (ex. placebo drug)
Double-Blind Study
a study in which neither the participant nor the experimenter knows the exact treatment for any individual
- help of assistant to carry out observations or researcher not told about who is receiving what type of treatment
- keeping results blind allows research to remain objective
Academic Journals
psychology’s primary mode of communication
Peer Review
process which papers submitted for publication in scholarly journals are read and critiqued by experts in specific fields of study
Replication
process of repeating a study and finding a similar outcome each time
*published research study can become obsolete if it cannot be replicated
Peer Review and Replication are ______ measures.
self-corrective measures for all disciplines
*ensures results did not occur through carelessness, dishonesty, or coincidence
5 Varieties of Poor Evidence :
1) untestable hypotheses
2) anecdotes
3) a biased selection of available data
4) appeals to authority
5) appeals to common sense
Falsifiable
the hypothesis is precise enough that it could be proven false
Anecdotal Evidence
an individual’s story or testimony about an observation or event that is used to make a claim as evidence
Data Selection Bias
scientific claim is backed up w/ published data but individuals might present only the data that supports their views
Appeal to Authority
belief in an “expert’s” claim even when no supporting data or scientific evidence is present
Appeal to Common Sense
a claim that appears to be sound, but lacks supporting scientific evidence
