Ch. 2 - Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research

Question 1

principles of scientific research (5)

Answer 1

• based on measurements that are objective, valid, and reliable
• generalizable
• use of techniques that reduce bias
• made public
• can be replicated

Question 2

objective measurements (2)

Answer 2

-measure of an entity or behaviour that, within an allowed margin of error, is consistent across instruments and observes
>weight

Question 3

variable (2)

Answer 3

-refers to the object, concept, or event being measured

>behavioural measures, MRI, blood/saliva, self-reporting

Question 4

operational definitions

Answer 4

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

Question 5

variable and operational definitions (1+3)

Answer 5

-variable: intoxication
>physiological: blood alcohol level
>behavioural: number of missteps when doing heel-to-toe in a straight line
>self-reported: score on self report form “Intoxication Index”

Question 6

reliability (4)

Answer 6

-when a measure provides consistent and stable answers
across multiple observations and points in time
>test reliability
>alternate-forms reliability
>inter-rater reliability

Question 7

validity

Answer 7

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

Question 8

generalizability (4)

Answer 8

-degree to which one set of results can be applied to other situations, individuals, or events
>study large groups (sample to population)
>critical evaluation of findings
>”Mozart effect”

Question 9

sample type (2)

Answer 9

• random sample: every individual of a population has an equal chance of being selected
• convenience sample: samples of individuals who are the most readily available

Question 10

location of study

Answer 10

laboratory vs. naturalistic research

Question 11

ecological validity

Answer 11

degree to which the results of a laboratory study can be applied to or repeated in the natural environment

Question 12

researcher bias vs. subject bias

Answer 12

Hawthorne effect: a term used to describe situations in which behaviour changes as a result of being observed

Question 13

demand characteristics (2)

Answer 13

-inadvertent cues given off by the experimenter or the experimental context that provide info about how participants are expected to behave
>Clever Hans effect -> questioners didn’t intentionally signal

Question 14

testing demand characteristics (3)

Answer 14

backpack experiment

• one group asked to judge steepness of ramp
• one group wore heavy backpack and asked to judge steepness
• one group given heavy backpack, told it contained equipment to measure muscle activity, then asked to judge steepness

Question 15

social desirability responding (3)

Answer 15

-research participants respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favourably
>minimize through anonymous/confidential questioning
>can attempt to measure subjects tendency for this type of responding

Question 16

observer expectancy effect (3)

Answer 16

-researcher’s expectations influence subject’s behaviour
>teacher’s ‘favouritism’
>’bright’ rats vs. ‘dull’ rats