Ch 2 - The Research Enterprise in Psychology Flashcards
Operational definitions
describe exactly what the concept is and how it will be measured
Understanding and Prediction
How X affects Y
Hypotheses are formed
Application and Control
How the data will be used in a practical way
2 Primary methods of research in Psychology
Experimental Research & Correlational Research
The only research method that can determine cause & affect
Experimental
Experiment
manipulation of one variable under controlled conditions so that resulting changes in another variable can be observed
Independent variable (IV)
variable that’s manipulated
Dependent variable (DV)
variable that’s affected by manipulation (measured)
What are two conditions in experimental research
experimental group & control group
Experimental group
receives treatment
Control group
does NOT receive treatment
Extraneous and Confounding variables
Other factors that might affect the DV
Correlational Research
allows us to describe the relationship between different variables
Correlation
a relationship between two variables
Direction of relationship
+/-
Strength of relationship
correlation coefficient (-1 to +1)
No relationship
Zero
True or False - Correlation indicates causation
False -
Correct answer is: Correlation allows PREDICTION
Positive Correlation
Variables move in the Same direction
Negative Correlation
Variables move in Opposite ways
Weaknesses of Correlational Research
1) No cause and effect
2) Unrepresentative Sample
Surveys
Questionnaires to obtain specific information about subjects’ behavior, backgrounds, attitudes, or opinions
Qualitative Research
Observations/Interviews/Narratives/Photo Voice
Naturalistic observations
careful observation of behavior without intervening directly with the subjects