Chapter 2

Question 1

Methods of observation

Answer 1

What do people do?

Answer by observing and measuring

Question 2

Methods of explanation

Answer 2

Why did they do it?

Answer by looking for relationships between things that are measured

Question 3

! Dogmatists

Answer 3

Tendency to cling to assumptions

Ex. Develop theories about body functions

Question 4

! Empeirikos

Answer 4

Acquiring knowledge through observation (empiricism)

Ex. Understand illness by observing sick people

Question 5

! Scientific method

Answer 5

Modify ideas to fit evidence

Procedure for finding truth using empirical evidence

Question 6

Theory

Answer 6

Hypothetical explanation of a natural phenomenon

Question 7

Rule of Parsimony

Answer 7

Simplest theory that explains all evidence best

Question 8

Falsifiable

Answer 8

Tested and proven false

Prediction made by theory

Question 9

Why can’t theories be proven?

Answer 9

Consistent evidence increases confidence but we can never be 100% certain

Question 10

Empirical Method

Answer 10

Set of rules and techniques for observation

Question 11

Empirical Challenges of People

Answer 11

Complexity- 500 mill interconnected neurons

Variability- no 2 individuals are the same

Reactivity- people will respond different when anonymous

Question 12

! Steps in scientific method

Answer 12

Develop theories, derive: hypothesis, test hypothesis, use evidence, modify theories

Question 13

Problem with observation

Answer 13

Peoples observations are all different

Question 14

! Operational

Answer 14

Description of a property in measurable terms

Question 15

Instrument

Answer 15

Anything that can detect w condition to which an operational def. refers

Question 16

! Validity

good for operational def

Answer 16

To extent to which a concrete event defines a property

Question 17

! Reliability

Good for instruments

Answer 17

The tendency for your instrument to produce the same measurement each time

Question 18

! Power

good for instruments

Answer 18

Instruments ability to detect small magnitudes of the property

Question 19

Measurement

Define property then……

Answer 19

Detect property

Question 20

Demand characteristics

Answer 20

Aspects of an observational setting that cause people to behave as they think someone else wants or expects

Question 21

Naturalistic Observaion

Answer 21

Technique for gathering scientific info by observing issue of demand characteristics

Question 22

Observer bias

Answer 22

Expectations can influence observations/ reality

Question 23

Double-blind observations

Answer 23

Observations whose true purpose is hidden from both the observer and the person being observed

Question 24

Frequency distribution

Answer 24

Measurements arranged by # of items each measurement was made

Question 25

Normal distribution

Answer 25

Frequency of measurements is highest in the middle and decreases symmetrically in both directions

(Bell curve)

Question 26

! Measures of Central Tendency

Answer 26

Mode
Mean
Median

Question 27

! Mode

Answer 27

Value of most frequently observed measurement

Ex. 1146
Mode=1

Question 28

! Mean

Answer 28

Average value of all measurements

Ex. 1146
Mean = (1+1+4+6) divide 4=3

Question 29

! Median

Answer 29

Value that is in the ordered middle

Ex. 1146
Cover up method
Mean= (1+4) dived 2=2.5

Question 30

! Range

Answer 30

Largest value in distribution minus the smallest value

Question 31

! Standard deviation

Answer 31

Average difference between the measurements in a frequency distribution and the mean distribution

Question 32

Variables

Answer 32

Properties whose values can change over time and across people (height,age)

Question 33

! Correlation

Answer 33

When changes in value of 1 variable are synchronized with changes in the value of another variable

Question 34

Third variable problem

Answer 34

2 variables are correlated only because each is casually related to a 3rd variable

Question 35

Tri-Council Policy Statement

Answer 35

Respect for persons-right to make decisions w/o influence

Show concern for welfare - maximum benefits, minimize risk

Research should be just -distribute risks/benefits to participants equally

Question 36

APA Guildlines

Answer 36

Informed Consent
Freedom from coercion 
Protection from harm
Risk-Benefit analysis
Deception
Debriefing 
Confidentially

Question 37

Respect Animals

3 R’s

Answer 37

Replacement
Reduction
Refinement