chapter 1: research Methods

Question 1

scientific method

Answer 1

the process of posing and answering questions using, careful controlled techniques that include systematic, orderly observation and the collection of data

1) identify question of interest
2) formulating an explanation
3) carry out research that either lends support to the explanation or refutes it

Question 2

theories

Answer 2

explanations and predictions concerning phenomena of interest, providing a framework for understanding the relationships among an organized set of facts or principles

Question 3

hypothesis

Answer 3

a prediction states in a way that permits testing

Question 4

order of scientific method

Answer 4

scientific method -> theories -> hypothesis

Question 5

correlational research

Answer 5

research that seeks to identify whether an association or relationship b/w two factors exists
-associated or related

Question 6

experimental research

Answer 6

designed to discover causal relationships b/w various factors

Question 7

types of correlational studies

Answer 7

naturalistic observation

survey research

Question 8

naturalistic observation

Answer 8

a type of correlational study in which some naturally occurring behaviour is observed without intervention in the situation
-ethnography

Question 9

ethonography

Answer 9

goal is to understand a cultures values and attitudes through careful, extended examination

Question 10

case studies

Answer 10

involve extensive, in depth interview with a particular individual or small group of individuals

Question 11

survey research

Answer 11

a type of study where a group of people chosen to represent some larger population are asked questions about their attitudes, behaviour, or thinking on a given topic

Question 12

psychophysiological methods

Answer 12

research that focuses on the relationship b/w physiological processes and behaviour

Question 13

electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 13

uses electrodes places on the skull to record electrical activity in the brain. the brain activity is transformed into a pictorial representation of brain-wave patterns

Question 14

functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) Scan

Answer 14

provides a detailed, 3D computer generated image of brain activity by aiming a powerful magnetic field at the brain. it offers on of the best ways of learning about the operation of the brain

Question 15

experiment

Answer 15

a process in which an investigator, called an experimenter, devises two different experiences for participants

Question 16

independent variable

Answer 16

the variable that researchers manipulate in an experiment

Question 17

dependent variable

Answer 17

the variable that researchers measure in an experiment and expect to change as a results of the the experimental manipulation

Question 18

random assignment

Answer 18

participants are assigned to different experimental groups or conditions purely on the basis of chance

Question 19

replicated

Answer 19

sometime using other procedures and techniques with other participants

Question 20

meta-analysis

Answer 20

permits the results of many studies to be combined into one overall conclusion

Question 21

sample

Answer 21

the group of participants chosen for the experiment

Question 22

field study

Answer 22

a research investigation carried out in a naturally occurring setting

Question 23

laboratory study

Answer 23

a research investigation conducted in a controlled setting explicitly designed to hold events constant

Question 24

theoretical research

Answer 24

designed to test developmental explanations and expand scientific knowledge

Question 25

applied research

Answer 25

research meant to provide practical solutions to immediate problems

Question 26

how to measure change

Answer 26

-longitudinal research, cross-sectional research and sequential research

Question 27

longitudinal research

Answer 27

research in which the behaviour of one or more participants in a study is measured as they age

• require a tremendous investment of time
• participants may drop out with loss of interest etc.

Question 28

cross sectional research

Answer 28

research in which people of different ages are compared at the same point in time

Question 29

sequential studies

Answer 29

research in which a number of different age groups are examined over several points in time

Question 30

ethics rules

Answer 30

• researchers must protect participants from physical and psychological harm
• researchers must obtain informed consent from participants before participants’ involvement in a study
• the use of deception in research must be justified and cause no harm
• participants’ privacy must be maintained

Question 31

critical thinking

Answer 31

• consider the source of the advice
• evaluate the credentials of the person providing advice
• understand the difference b/w anecdotal evidence and scientific evidence
• if advice is based on research findings, a clear, transparent description of the studies on which he advice is based should be provided
• don’t overlook the cultural content of the information