Ch 1 Flashcards
Hypothesis
Prediction about the outcome of your specific research based on the theory it was developed from
Theory-Data Cycle
- Theory
- Research Q’s
- Research Design
- Hypothesis
- Data
if data supports theory, it strengthens it.
If it doesn’t, revise either research design or theory
Theory
statement or set of statements that describe the general principals of how variables relate to each other.
What does a theory have to be?
- parsimonious
- falsifiable
- supported by data
- doesn’t prove anything
Applied Research (define + how will findings be used?)
- research conducted with a practical problem in mind
- findings are applied to find solution to real life problem
Applied Research-
provide example
- efficacy of depression treatment in trauma survivors
- schools new lang. arts teaching method better than previous?
Data
Set of Observations
Questions to deepen research
- why does this occur
- when does it happen most?
- to whom does it apply?
- what are the limits?
Translational Research
uses lessons from basic research to develop + test applications
Translational Research
Provide Example
info learned on biochemistry of cell membranes –> new schizophrenia drug
Basic Research (define + how used)
- conducted to learn more about a topic (expand body of knowledge)
- what’s learned can be a foundation for later applied studies
Basic Research
Provide Example
- capacity of memory
- understand visual system
- motivations of depressed person
Scientific journals (define + audience)
- periodicals containing peer-reviewed articles written by qualified contributors
- audience is scientists and students w/in a particular discipline
Example of how types of Research work together
basic: what parts of brain activated in meditation?
translational: in lab study, can meditation improve GRE scores?
applied: does a school’s meditation program increase focus time on math?
Peer-review Process
- journal editors send manuscript to experts in field
- they review how interesting, novel, how well research is done
after publication:
- other scientists can cite it, do further work,
- or if they find flaws can publish commentary or competing studies
Journalism
define + benefits
- popular media/press
- benefits: turns info into accessible story, wider audience
What does Journalism need to be to be beneficial?
to be beneficial it needs to be:
- the most important studies
- describe research accurately
who are consumers of research?
- family therapists
- teachers
- entrepreneurs
- guidance counselors
etc. ..
Why are consumers of research important?
- in psych courses you’ll be reading studies in scientific journals
- become a discerning consumer of news/ info
- using EVIDENCE- BASED TREATMENTS (supported by research) in future career
Who are producers of research?
- research scientists
- professors
In what context is being a producer of research important?
- coursework in psych:
- APA papers
- conducting research
- graduate school
- work in a lab
Cupboard Theory
mother is important/valuable because they are food source
Contact Comfort Theory
- Harry Harlow’s theory
- babies attach to mothers because of physical comfort/touch
- especially important in early months
How was Contact Comfort Theory tested?
What were the possible outcomes?
- used rhesus monkeys
- separated food + comfort into two “mothers”
- theory supported IF more time w/ comfort mom
- cupboard theory supported IF more time w/ food mom
- neither if time divided equally
Results of Cupboard vs. Contact Comfort Theory Experiment
- monkey stayed w/ cloth mom for 12-18 hours, went to food mom only to feed
- Contact Comfort theory supported by data
empiricism
conclusions are based on the senses/ instruments that aid the sense
