Chapter 2

Question 1

Explain the importance of good research design

Answer 1

Without good research design, we are subject to the various pitfalls

Question 2

Describe why good studies should involve random selection, high reliability, and high validity.

Answer 2

1. equal chance. 2. consistency of measurement. 3. extent to which a measure assesses what it claims to measure.

Question 3

pros and cons of five major research approaches in psychology

Answer 3

1. Natual observation (Pros: High external validity; Cons: Low internal validity)
2. Case studies (Pros: informative; provide insight that isn’t observable in a more limited setting; Cons: Difficulty in determining cause and effect due to lack of controls)
3. Self-report and surveys (Pro: Data is coming straight from the source; Cons: Limited options provided; Wording effect; Social desirability response bias)
4. Correlational designs（Pro: Allows us to study things that we can’t manipulate；Con: No certainty of causation）
5. Experimental designs (Pro: high internal validity; Con: low external validity)

Question 4

Describe the components of an experiment

Answer 4

1. Independent variable. 2. Dependent variable. 3. Control variable

Question 5

explain the approaches researchers use to design good experiments

Answer 5

1. random assignment 2. Placebo effects 3. Experimenter expectancy effects

Question 6

describe the 7 steps of the scientific method

Answer 6

1. ask a question about an observation
2. do background research on the existing theory
3. construct a falsifiable hypothesis
4. test the hypothesis by performing a study
5. collect data
6. analyze data
7. support/refute hypothesis-refine the initial hypothesis

Question 7

how to calculate and interpret various basic statistical values

Answer 7

1. Mean: average
2. Median: middle value
3. Mode: most frequent
4. Standard deviation标准差
5. probability value<0.05 is a statistically significant difference

Question 8

Importance of considering ethics when conducting research, and describe the 7 principles that must be followed.

Answer 8

avoid abuses
1. Respect for Human Dignity
2. Respect for Free and Informed Consent
3. Respect for Vulnerable Persons
4. Respect for Privacy and Confidentiality
5. Balancing Harms & Benefits
6. Minimizing Harms
7. Debriefing when Deception is used