Chapter 2: Evaluating Scientific research

Question 1

Single blind study

Answer 1

• Participants don’t know true purpose of study or which type of treatment they are receiving

Question 2

Double blind study

Answer 2

• Neither participants nor research know the exact treatment for any individual

Question 3

Random Sample

Answer 3

• Every individual of a population has an equal chance of being included - best reflected

Question 4

Generalizability

Answer 4

• Degree to which a set of rules can be applied to other situations, individuals or events

Question 5

Convince Sample

Answer 5

• Samples of individuals who are most readily avalaible

Question 6

Ecological Validity

Answer 6

• Results of lab study can be applied to or repeated in natural environment

Question 7

Basic Research

Answer 7

• Conducted to study theoretical questions w/o trying to solve a problem
• General ideas or concepts

Question 8

Applied Research

Answer 8

• Utilizes the principles + discoveries for psychology for practical purposes
• Finding solutions to real world problems

Question 9

Operational Definitions

Answer 9

• Statement that describe the procedures/operations and specific measures that are used to record observations

Question 10

Variables

Answer 10

• The object, concept or event being controlled, manipulated, or measured by a scientist

Question 11

Validity

Answer 11

• Extent to which a measure assesses what it claims to measure

Question 12

Reliability

Answer 12

• Consistency of measurement
• Test-retest: examines if scores on a behaviour are consistant
  Alternate forms: examines if different forms of the same test produce the same results
  Inter-rater: raters of a behvaiour or response arrive at a similar conclusion

Question 13

Social Desirability

Answer 13

• Participants may respond in ways that increase the chances they will be viewed favourably by others

Question 14

Hawthorn Effect

Answer 14

• Situations in which behaviour changes because of being observed
• May behave in anticipation of how others may respond

Question 15

5 Characteristics of Bad research

Answer 15

1. Lack of falsifiable hypothesis
2. Anecdotal evidence (an individuals story/testimony about an
   observation/event used as evidence)
3. Biased selection of data (cannot solely use the data that supports their views)
4. Appeal to authority (belief in an “experts” claim when no supporting data/evidence is clear)
5. Appeal to common sense (claims it appears to be sound but lack scientific evidence)

Question 16

Unconscious mimicry

Answer 16

• Tendency for people to take on gestures, postures, or physical mannerisms of others in conversation

Question 17

Informed consent

Answer 17

• Participant must be informed and give consent to participate
• Must know the topic, tasks, duration, risks + potential stimuli involved

Question 18

Deception

Answer 18

• Misleading or only partially informing participants of the topic/hypothesis

Question 19

4 major research methods

Answer 19

1. Descriptive research
2. Experimental research
3. Biological research
4. Correlational research

Question 20

Descriptive research

Answer 20

• Naturalistic observation, surveys, case studies
• Observe, collect, and reward data

Question 21

Experimental research

Answer 21

• Manipulation + control of variables
• Identify cause-and-effect

Question 22

Biological research

Answer 22

• Studies brain + nervous system
• Identify causation, description + prediction

Question 23

Correlational research

Answer 23

• Statistical analysis of relationship between variables
• Identify relationships + how well one variable predicts another

Question 24

Objective measurments

Answer 24

• Measure of a behaviour that (within an allowed margin of error) is consistant

Question 25

5 characteristics of quality scientific research

Answer 25

1. Based on measurments that are objective, valid and reliable
2. Generalizable
3. Reduced Bias
4. Can be made public
5. Can be replicated