Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is Scientific Knowledge
Scientific knowledge is empirical: It is grounded in objective, tangible evidence that can be observed time and time again, regardless of who is observing.
Facts
are observable realities,
Opinions
are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In
Deductive Reasoning
ideas are tested against the empirical world;
Inductive Reasoning
empirical observations lead to new ideas
Theory
Set of ideas
Hypothesis
a testable prediction
Generalizing
refers to the ability to apply findings of a research project to larger segments of society
Naturalistic Observation
observing behavior in its natural setting
Correlation coefficient
a number from -1 - +1 that indicates the strength and direction of a relationship between variables. **Usually represented by the letter r
Positive correlation
variables moving in the same direction
Negative Correlation
variables moving in opposite directions
confounding variables
the cause of movement in variables i.e. the heat w/ crime and ice cream
Illusory correlations
false correlations
confirmation bias
ignoring evidence that would claim a hunch is false
Experimental Design
2 Groups
Experimental Group: receives experimental manipulation
Control Group:
Receives no manipulation
operational definition
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.
Experimenter bias
refers to the possibility that a researcher’s expectations might skew the results of the study.
a single-blind study
one of the groups (participants) are unaware as to which group they are in (experiment or control group)
double-blind study
both the researchers and the participants are blind to group assignments.
An independent variable
An independent variable is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter.
It is the only important difference between the experimental and control groups.
dependent variable
A dependent variable is what the researcher measures to see how much effect the independent variable had.
random sample
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
random assignment
random assignment, all participants have an equal chance of being assigned to either group.
statistical analysis
A statistical analysis determines how likely any difference found is due to chance (and thus not meaningful).
Reliability
Reliability refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result.
Validity
Validity refers to the extent to which a given instrument or tool accurately measures what it’s supposed to measure.
institutional review board (IRB)
. 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.
informed consent
An informed consent form provides a written description of what participants can expect during the experiment, including potential risks and implications of the research.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
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.
