Chapter 10: Research Methods in Psychology Flashcards
Empiricism
The reliance of observable data
Self-Reports
An indication about out internal state or subjective feeling
Testability
Scientific explanations that can be proved true or false by looking at empirical data.
Parsimony
Simplicity
Determinism
The belief that a behavior follows a lawful order and is ultimately predictable
Basic Research
Designed to answer theoretical questions or satisfy the curiosity of the researcher, it initially appears to have no practical implications
Applied Research
Research where the practical implications and applications are obvious
Population
All members of a group
Biased Sample
A sample from people who have a population who have a characteristic or a set of characteristics that may affect the outcome of the research.
Random Sample
A sample in which all members of the population have an equal chance of being included in the sample.
Representative Sample
Has all of the relevant characteristics of the population of interest, represented in the same proportions
What are the 5 research methods?
Descriptive/Observational Correlational Experimental Quasi-Experimental Small-n
Descriptive Research
Observing and describing a behavior
Naturalistic observation
The observation of a behavior that takes place in a natural or normal setting
Participant Observation
Joining a group or situation in order to study behavior
Interview/Survey
Participants are asked to respond to a series of questions
Case Studies
In-depth studies of individuals
Correlation Research
The study of the degree to which 2 variables are related to one another
Variables
Anything that can change or take on different values
Positive Correlation
Variables change in the same direction at the same time
Negative Correlations
Variables change in opposite directions at the same time
Correlation Coefficient
The statistic or number representing the degree to which the 2 variables are related
Experimental Research
The manipulations of variables to determine cause and effect
Independent Variable
Variable manipulated or controlled by the experimenter
Dependent Variable
Variable that is measured; the outcome
Treatment Group
Participants exposed to the independent variable
Control Group
Participants not exposed to the independent variable
Extraneous Variable
Variable other than the independent and dependent variables that are present in the experimental situation
Quasi-Experimental Research
Active manipulation of independent variable is not possible
Small-n Research
Uses only a few participants, or sometimes only uses one
ABA Design
Used to answer basic research questions when there is no immediate practical application in mind
Identify the ABA for ABA Design
A = Baseline phase: Initial level of response before intervention. B = Treatment phase: The intervention is added. A = Second baseline phase: After intervention is removed.
ABAB Reversal Design
Adds a second treatment phase so that the research ends with the treatment in effect. Commonly used to answer applied research questions.
What are the four criteria of science?
Empiricism
Testability
Parsimony
Determinism
