3-1: Psychologists Use the Scientific Method to Guide Their Research Flashcards
Define
The Scientific Method
The set of assumptions, rules, and procedures scientists use to conduct research
What three things define the scientific method?
- Empirical
- Objective
- Replicable
Define
Empirical research
Based on the systematic collection and analysis of data
Define
Objective research
Free from the personal bias or emotions of the scientist.
Define
Replicable research
To repeat, add to, or modify previous research findings.
What is the scientific method used to create?
- Laws
- Theories
- Hypotheses
Define
Laws
A principle that is so general that it can apply to all parts of a domain.
Define
Theories
An integrated set of principles that explains and predicts many but not all observed relationships.
What is the difference between a law and a theory?
Law is constant/all the time. A theory is most of the time, but not all the time.
Define
Hypotheses
Your prediction about the relationship between the two variables you have picked.
A hypothsis is a prediction about what is going on.
Define
Conceptual variables
Abstract ideas that form the basis of research hypotheses.
E.g. aggression
Define
Measured variables
Variables consisting of numbers that represent the conceptual variables.
E.g. on a scale of 1-10, how often have you felt worried?
Define
Operational definition
A precise statement of how a conceptual variable is turned into a measured variable.
E.g. number of seconds taken to honk the horn at the car ahead of you after the stoplight turns green.
What is the most direct ethical concern of scientists?
To prevent harm to the research participants.
Define
Deception
Occurs whenever research participants are not completely and fully informed about the nature of the research provject before participating in it?
Define
Active deception
Involves deliberately misleading or tricking someone through actions, statements, or behaviors, typically with the intention of concealing the truth or manipulating perceptions.
E.g. when the researcher tells the participants that he or she is studying learning when in fact the experiment really concerns obedience to authority.
Define
Passive deception
Where misleading information or false impressions are conveyed unintentionally or indirectly, often without the active intent to deceive.
E.g. when participants are not told about the hypothesis being studied or the potential use of the data being collected.
Describe
The Milgram Shock Experiment
- Participants were told to administer electric shocks to another person so that Milgram could study the extent to which they would obey the demands of an authority figure.
- Most participants evidenced high levels of stress resulting from the psychological conflict they experienced between engaging in aggressive and dangerous behaviour and following the instructions of the experimenter.
