Chapter 2 - Research Enterprise In Psych

Question 0

Measurement & Description (goal of sci enterprise)

Answer 0

Develop measurement techniques that make it possible to describe behavior efficiently

Question 1

Scientific Approach to Behavior

Answer 1

Assumes that events are governed by some lawful order

Question 2

Understanding & Prediction (goals if sci enterprise)

Answer 2

Scientists believe that understanding events can help explain why they occur

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

Used to evaluate scientists understanding
Testable prediction
A tentative statement about a relationship between two variables

Question 4

Variables

Answer 4

Any measurable conditions, events etc. that can be controlled or observed in a study
Any part of situation that can vary or change

Question 5

Application & Control (goal of sci enterprise)

Answer 5

Psychology attempts to apply research findings to practical problems
Once people understand a phenomenon, they can control it better

Question 6

Theories

Answer 6

Broad statements of underlying principles used to explain a set of observations
Constructed to better understand behavior
A system of interrelated ideas used to explain a set of observations

Question 7

Steps of Scientific Investigation

Answer 7

Theory ➡️ Hypothesis ➡️ Empirical Research: Select Research Method & Design the Study ➡️ Collect Data ➡️ Analyze Data ➡️ Draw Conclusions ➡️ Report Findings

Question 8

Operational Definition (hypothesis)

Answer 8

Describes actions or operations that will be used to measure or control a variable

Question 9

Participants or Subjects

Answer 9

People or animals involved in study whose behavior is systematically observed

Question 10

Data Collection Techniques

Answer 10

Procedures for making empirical observations and measurements ( direct observation, questionnaires, interviews etc)

Question 11

Journal

Answer 11

Periodical that publishes technical & scholarly material

Question 12

Peer Review Process (publishing)

Answer 12

Process of publishing allows other experts to evaluate and critique findings

Question 13

Advantages of Scientific Approach

Answer 13

1. Clarity & precision: enhance communication of ideas

2. Relative intolerance of error

Question 14

Experiment

Answer 14

Research method
Variables are investigated under carefully controlled conditions & observes whether any changes occur in a second variable

Question 15

Independent Variable

Answer 15

X

Varied in order to see impact on other variable

Question 16

Dependent Variable

Answer 16

Y

Hypothesized to be affected by manipulation of independent variable

Question 17

Control Condition (placebo)

Answer 17

Factor being studied is omitted while all other conditions are maintained
Can have multiple controls

Question 18

Experimental Condition

Answer 18

Condition where variable of interest is applied

Question 19

Key Elements of Experiment

Answer 19

(Conditions)
Control Condition
Experimental Condition

Question 20

Blindness (in experiment)

Answer 20

Participant is unaware of their specific treatment condition

Ex. Not aware if placebo or not

Question 21

Double Blindness (in experiment)

Answer 21

Both experimenter & participant are unaware (if placebo or not)

Question 22

Randomization (in experiment)

Answer 22

Participants are randomly assigned treatment groups

Question 23

Key Characteristics of a Good Scientist

Answer 23

1. Curiosity
2. Open Mindedness
3. Skepticism
4. Parismony

Question 24

Parismony

Answer 24

We should typically look for simple solutions to simple problems (not complicated solutions for simple problems)

Question 25

Data

Answer 25

Careful observations or numerical measurements used to assess variables

Question 26

Two Types of Research

Answer 26

1. Basic

2. Applied

Question 27

Basic Research

Answer 27

Studies elementary principles

(ex dyslexia: 1st have to know how normal people read in order to understand)

Question 28

Applied Research

Answer 28

Aims to develop novel treatments & applications using info collected by basic researchers
(Ex. Dyslexia: 1st know how normal people read (basic) then apply that for treating it)

Question 29

Descriptive Research

Answer 29

(approach to science)

Observing & describing

Question 30

Correlational Research

Answer 30

Applies math algorithms to see how events relate

Question 31

Experimental Research

Answer 31

Identifying and manipulating variables

Look for change in dependent variable to identify causal relationship

Question 32

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 32

(Descriptive research)

Unobtrusive observation of people/animals in their natural habitat; field work

Question 33

Case studies

Answer 33

(Descriptive Research)

Detailed examination of individuals