Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is the science of human development?
It seeks to understand how and why people of all ages and circumstances change or remain the same.
This field helps us understand ourselves and others and increases awareness of similarities and acceptance of differences.
What factors are included in Lifespan Development?
Biological, historical, sociocultural, and psychological factors in life and aging.
It encompasses development from conception to death.
What are the three main areas of focus in human development?
- Psychological development
- Physical development
- Cognitive development
What are the five basic steps of the scientific method?
- Begin with curiosity/asking questions
- Develop a hypothesis
- Test the hypothesis
- Draw conclusions
- Report the results; replication
What is a survey in psychological research?
An interview, questionnaire, or some other means of data collection.
Challenges include acquiring valid survey data, as some people may lie or have bad memory.
What are the pros and cons of scientific observation?
- Pros: yields great research and is better than other methods
- Cons: very expensive and time-consuming
What distinguishes experiments in research?
They establish causal relationships among variables.
Variables include independent (cause) and dependent (effect) variables.
What is cross-sectional research?
Comparing groups of people of one age with people of another age.
What is longitudinal research?
Collecting data repeatedly on the same individuals as they age.
What is consequential research?
It studies several groups of people of different ages and follows them over the years, combining cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches.
What does correlation indicate in research?
It exists between two variables if one variable is more or less likely to occur when the other does.
What is a positive correlation?
It occurs when variables move in the same direction.
What is a negative correlation?
It occurs when variables move in the opposite direction.
What does ‘zero correlation’ imply?
It indicates that the variables have no relationship to each other.
True or False: Correlation is causation.
False
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
- Qualitative: open-ended questions, reflects culture and diversity
- Quantitative: close-ended questions, focuses on replicability and comparison
What did the National Research Act of 1974 establish?
Ethics in research and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
What is the purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
To ensure research ethics and participant protection.
What is meant by ‘Do No Harm’ in research ethics?
Participation must be voluntary, confidential, and harmless, minimizing risk to participants.
What is informed consent in research?
Participants must understand the research procedures and any risks involved.
Why is avoiding deception important in research?
To promote research accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness.
What does confidentiality mean in the context of research?
Data must be handled confidentially and reported on crucial issues for optimal development.
