Chapter 2 Thomas Goodroe

Question 1

2. Critical thinking

Answer 1

Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluated evidence, and assesses conclusions.

Question 2

3. Theory

Answer 2

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Question 3

4. Hypothesis

Answer 3

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Question 4

5. Operational definition

Answer 4

A statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures.

Question 5

6. Replication

Answer 5

Repeating the essence of research study, usually with different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.

Question 6

7. Case study

Answer 6

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

Question 7

8. Survey

Answer 7

Technique for acertaining the self – reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.

Question 8

9. Population

Answer 8

All the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn

Question 9

10. random sample

Answer 9

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

Question 10

11. Naturalistic observation

Answer 10

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Question 11

12. Correlation coefficient

Answer 11

Statistical index of the relationship between two things

Question 12

13. Scatterplot

Answer 12

The graft cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slopes of the points suggest the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggest the strength of the correlation

Question 13

14. Experiment

Answer 13

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental processes. By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.

Question 14

15. Random assignment

Answer 14

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing pre-existing differences between those assigned to the different groups.

Question 15

16. Double-blind procedure

Answer 15

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug – evaluation studies

Question 16

17. Placebo

Answer 16

Effect experimental results caused by expectations alone; any affect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the reception assumes is an active agent

Question 17

18. Experimental group

Answer 17

In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.

Question 18

19. Control group

Answer 18

In an experiment, the group that id mot exposed Beauty treatment; contrast with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

Question 19

20. Independent variable

Answer 19

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Question 20

21. Confounding variable

Answer 20

A factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment

Question 21

22. Dependent variable

Answer 21

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

Question 22

23. Mode

Answer 22

The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution

Question 23

24. Mean

Answer 23

The arithmetic average of a distribution; obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores

Question 24

25. Median

Answer 24

The middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it

Question 25

26. Range

Answer 25

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

Question 26

27. Standard deviation

Answer 26

A computed measure of how much scored vary around the mean score.

Question 27

28. Normal curve

Answer 27

A symmetrical, Bell – shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean and fewer and fewer near the extremes.

Question 28

29. Statistical significance

Answer 28

A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.

Question 29

30. Culture

Answer 29

The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.

Question 30

31. Informed consent

Answer 30

And ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.

Question 31

32. Debriefing

Answer 31

The post experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose in any disruptions, to its participants.

Question 32

1. Hindsight bias

Answer 32

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it (Also known as the i-knew-it-all-along phenomenon.)