3-1: Psychologists Use the Scientific Method to Guide Their Research

Question 1

Define

The Scientific Method

Answer 1

The set of assumptions, rules, and procedures scientists use to conduct research

Question 2

What three things define the scientific method?

Answer 2

1. Empirical
2. Objective
3. Replicable

Question 3

Define

Empirical research

Answer 3

Based on the systematic collection and analysis of data

Question 4

Define

Objective research

Answer 4

Free from the personal bias or emotions of the scientist.

Question 5

Define

Replicable research

Answer 5

To repeat, add to, or modify previous research findings.

Question 6

What is the scientific method used to create?

Answer 6

1. Laws
2. Theories
3. Hypotheses

Question 7

Define

Laws

Answer 7

A principle that is so general that it can apply to all parts of a domain.

Question 8

Define

Theories

Answer 8

An integrated set of principles that explains and predicts many but not all observed relationships.

Question 9

What is the difference between a law and a theory?

Answer 9

Law is constant/all the time. A theory is most of the time, but not all the time.

Question 10

Define

Hypotheses

Answer 10

Your prediction about the relationship between the two variables you have picked.

A hypothsis is a prediction about what is going on.

Question 11

Define

Conceptual variables

Answer 11

Abstract ideas that form the basis of research hypotheses.

E.g. aggression

Question 12

Define

Measured variables

Answer 12

Variables consisting of numbers that represent the conceptual variables.

E.g. on a scale of 1-10, how often have you felt worried?

Question 13

Define

Operational definition

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

What is the most direct ethical concern of scientists?

Answer 14

To prevent harm to the research participants.

Question 15

Define

Deception

Answer 15

Occurs whenever research participants are not completely and fully informed about the nature of the research provject before participating in it?

Question 16

Define

Active deception

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Define

Passive deception

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Describe

The Milgram Shock Experiment

Answer 18

• 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.