Chapter 2- Methods

Question 1

Define: theory

Answer 1

An explanation of why an event or outcome occurs, identifies the underlying causes of an event or phenomenon.

Question 2

Define: hypothesis

Answer 2

Specific predictions about what should occur if a theory is valid.

Question 3

How are self-report measures taken?

Answer 3

People provide reports on their own behaviour.

Question 4

Define: socially desirable responding

Answer 4

A form of responding that involves giving answers that portray the respondent in a positive light.

Question 5

What type of information are self-report measures good for collecting?

Answer 5

Things that participants are able and willing to report.

Question 6

Define/explain: behavioural measures

Answer 6

Researchers measure particpants through direct observations. Observations of people’s actual behaviour are taken.

Question 7

Define: psychometrics

Answer 7

A discipline within psychology that is devoted to understanding and refining methods for psychological measurement.

Question 8

Define: unobtrusive measures

Answer 8

When participants don’t realize that the measures are being taken, minimizing socially desirable responding.

Question 9

What is one method of minimizing socially desirable responding?

Answer 9

unobtrusive measures

Question 10

Define: validity

Answer 10

The extent to which a measure really measures what is meant to measure. Do the scores on the measure actually reflect the assumed underlying concept? A valid measure should be predictive of future behaviour.

Question 11

What is one common way of demonstrating validity?

Answer 11

A common way to demonstrate validity is by showing that scores on a measure correspond reasonably with other related measures.