Chapter 2 - The Research Methods in Psychology

Question 1

The Scientific Process

Answer 1

1. Identify a question
2. Form a hypothesis
3. Gather information
4. Analyze data

Question 2

Theory

Answer 2

Plausible of scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain a phenomenon.

Question 3

Parts of a Theory

Answer 3

1. Organize information in a meaning way.
2. Is testable
3. Predictions are supported by research
4. Conforms to Law of Parsimony (Occam’s Razor)

Question 4

The Trouble with Humans

Answer 4

Complexity, variability, reactivity

Question 5

Hindsight Understanding

Answer 5

Making a hypothesis after observing behaviour.

Question 6

Understanding through Hypothesis-testing

Answer 6

Test possible explanations through the scientific method.

Question 7

Operational Definition

Answer 7

A description of a property in concrete, measurable terms.

Question 8

Descriptive Research

Answer 8

Describes behaviour in nature.

Question 9

Case Studies

Answer 9

A method of gathering scientific knowledge by studying a single individual.

Question 10

Survey Research

Answer 10

Researching and sampling a population

Question 11

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 11

Observing people in their natural environment if when they do not know they are being observed.

Question 12

Correlation Research/Studies

Answer 12

Look for relationships between variables.

Question 13

Correlation

Answer 13

Comparing the pattern of variation.

Question 14

Positive Correlations

Answer 14

An increase in one variable leads to an increase in another variable. 0<r<1

Question 15

Negative Correlations

Answer 15

An increase in one variable leads to a decrease in another variable. -1<r<0

Question 16

Strength of Correlations

Answer 16

“r” indicates how related two variables are.

Question 17

Benefits of Correlation

Answer 17

Make knowledgeable predictions, and can know what variables to use in an experiment to determine causality.

Question 18

The Third Variable Problem

Answer 18

Two variables may only be related to each other because of a third variable. Can use matched samples of matched pairs.

Question 19

Experimental Research

Answer 19

The only way to truly infer causality. Determine the relationship between two variables.

Question 20

Variable

Answer 20

A property whose values can change across individuals and over time.

Question 21

Independent Variable

Answer 21

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

Question 22

Dependent Variable

Answer 22

The variable that is measured in a study.

Question 23

Manipulating Variables

Answer 23

Must be in a controlled environment.

Question 24

Steps of Manipulation

Answer 24

1. Determine what you want to study (Identify your variables)
2. Manipulate IV
3. Measure the DV
4. Check for the effect and draw conclusions.

Question 25

Between-Subjects

Answer 25

Two groups of different subjects

Question 26

Within-Subjects

Answer 26

One group where participants serve as both the control and experimental group.

Question 27

Reliability

Answer 27

Produce the same measurement when measuring the same thing.

Question 28

Validity

Answer 28

Must be conceptually related to the property of study.

Question 29

Power

Answer 29

Ability of a measure to detect the conditions specified in operational definition.

Question 30

Demand Characteristics

Answer 30

Aspect of an observational setting that make people behave as they think they should.

Question 31

Deception

Answer 31

lie to face.

Question 32

Filler Items

Answer 32

add filler, how did that make you feel?, repeat multiple times.

Question 33

Double-Blind Studies

Answer 33

A way to avoid observer bias. Neither the researcher or the participant knows which is variable is treatment and which is control.

Question 34

Random Sampling

Answer 34

A technique for choosing participants tha ensures that every member of a population has an equal chance of being included in the sample.

Question 35

Random Assignment

Answer 35

A procedure that uses a random event to assign people to the experimental or control group

Question 36

Central Tendency

Answer 36

The value of measurement near the midpoint or centre of distribution.

Question 37

Mode

Answer 37

Most frequent measurement observed.

Question 38

Mean

Answer 38

average.

Question 39

Median

Answer 39

Value in the middle of the distribution.

Question 40

Histograms

Answer 40

Bar graph, groups data by score.

Question 41

Box Plots

Answer 41

Spread of data, the box covers two quartiles of data.

Question 42

Variability

Answer 42

How much measurements differ from each other.

Question 43

Range

Answer 43

Value of the largest measurement - the smallest measurement

Question 44

Standard Deviation

Answer 44

How much the score differs from the average.

Question 45

Normal Distribution

Answer 45

Symmetrical curve with a central peak and a tail at both ends. *mean, median and mode are all the same

Question 46

Skewed Distribution

Answer 46

The peak of the curve is shifted to one side. *Mode is the peak positive → peak on left negative → peak on right

Question 47

Inferential Statistics

Answer 47

Tests the significance of the difference between groups to se if the effect we are observing is meaningful.

Question 48

Null Hypothesis

Answer 48

States that any observed differences between the samples are due to chance.

Question 49

Internal Validity

Answer 49

The experiment works and p < 0.05.

Question 50

External Validity

Answer 50

Variables have been defined as normal, typical, or realistic.

Question 51

1979 Belmont Report

Answer 51

People have the right to make decisions about themselves for themselves.

Question 52

Informed Consent

Answer 52

Agree to risks and benefits.

Question 53

Freedom from Coercion

Answer 53

Cannot be forced to participate.

Question 54

Protection from Harm

Answer 54

Protected from physical or psychological harm.

Question 55

Debriefing

Answer 55

If a participant is deceived at any point in a experiment they must be told the purpose of the study and informed of the deception.

Question 56

Confidentiality

Answer 56

Private information is kept confidential.

Question 57

APA's Code for Working with Animals

Answer 57

Must be trained to work and care for animals. Must minimize discomfort, infection, illness and pain.

Question 58

Law of Parsimony (Occar's Razors)

Answer 58

The simplest option or explanation.