Chapter 2

Question 1

What is Scientific Knowledge

Answer 1

Scientific knowledge is empirical: It is grounded in objective, tangible evidence that can be observed time and time again, regardless of who is observing.

Question 2

Facts

Answer 2

are observable realities,

Question 3

Opinions

Answer 3

are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In

Question 4

Deductive Reasoning

Answer 4

ideas are tested against the empirical world;

Question 5

Inductive Reasoning

Answer 5

empirical observations lead to new ideas

Question 6

Theory

Answer 6

Set of ideas

Question 7

Hypothesis

Answer 7

a testable prediction

Question 8

Generalizing

Answer 8

refers to the ability to apply findings of a research project to larger segments of society

Question 9

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 9

observing behavior in its natural setting

Question 10

Correlation coefficient

Answer 10

a number from -1 - +1 that indicates the strength and direction of a relationship between variables. **Usually represented by the letter r

Question 11

Positive correlation

Answer 11

variables moving in the same direction

Question 12

Negative Correlation

Answer 12

variables moving in opposite directions

Question 13

confounding variables

Answer 13

the cause of movement in variables i.e. the heat w/ crime and ice cream

Question 14

Illusory correlations

Answer 14

false correlations

Question 15

confirmation bias

Answer 15

ignoring evidence that would claim a hunch is false

Question 16

Experimental Design

Answer 16

2 Groups

Experimental Group: receives experimental manipulation

Control Group:
Receives no manipulation

Question 17

operational definition

Answer 17

a description of how we will measure our variables

It is important in allowing others understand exactly how and what a researcher measures in a particular experiment.

Question 18

Experimenter bias

Answer 18

refers to the possibility that a researcher’s expectations might skew the results of the study.

Question 19

a single-blind study

Answer 19

one of the groups (participants) are unaware as to which group they are in (experiment or control group)

Question 20

double-blind study

Answer 20

both the researchers and the participants are blind to group assignments.

Question 21

An independent variable

Answer 21

An independent variable is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter.

It is the only important difference between the experimental and control groups.

Question 22

dependent variable

Answer 22

A dependent variable is what the researcher measures to see how much effect the independent variable had.

Question 23

random sample

Answer 23

A random sample is a subset of a larger population in which every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Preferred

Question 24

random assignment

Answer 24

random assignment, all participants have an equal chance of being assigned to either group.

Question 25

statistical analysis

Answer 25

A statistical analysis determines how likely any difference found is due to chance (and thus not meaningful).

Question 26

Reliability

Answer 26

Reliability refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result.

Question 27

Validity

Answer 27

Validity refers to the extent to which a given instrument or tool accurately measures what it’s supposed to measure.

Question 28

institutional review board (IRB)

Answer 28

. The IRB is a committee of individuals often made up of members of the institution’s administration, scientists, and community members The purpose of the IRB is to review proposals for research that involves human participants.

Question 29

informed consent

Answer 29

An informed consent form provides a written description of what participants can expect during the experiment, including potential risks and implications of the research.

Question 30

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Answer 30

An IACUC consists of institutional administrators, scientists, veterinarians, and community members. This committee is charged with ensuring that all experimental proposals require the humane treatment of animal research subjects.