Chpt 4: Fundamental Research Issues PSY302

Question 1

Def: validity

Answer 1

the extent to which a conclusion is reasonably accurate or true.

Question 2

What are the 4 types of validity?

Answer 2

Construct validity
Internal validity
External validity
Statistical validity

Question 3

Def: construct validity

Answer 3

the measurement or manipulation accurately represents the theoretical variable being studied.
Refers to the accuracy of our operational defs.

Question 4

Def: internal validity

Answer 4

1. the accuracy of conclusion drawn abt cause & effect
2. the ability to draw conclusions abt causal relationships from the results of a study.

Question 5

Def: external validity

Answer 5

1. Findings can accurately be generalized to other populations & settings
2. the extent to which a study’s result can be generalized to other populations & settings.

Question 6

Def: statistical validity

Answer 6

the accuracy of statistical conclusions drawn from the results of a research investigation.

Question 7

Def: a variable

Answer 7

something that changes. Anything that varies & can be measured.
It can be abt behavior, thought, feelings, situations, characteristics, or events.
Any variable must have 2(+) levels or values.

Question 8

Def: operational definition

Answer 8

The set of procedures used to measure or manipulate a variable

Question 9

Developing an operational def _______ scientists to_______ abstract concepts in concrete terms.

Answer 9

forces, discuss

Question 10

2 benefits of operationally defining a variable

Answer 10

Making an operational def of a certain variable forces scientists to discuss abstract concepts in concrete terms.
The defs can help researchers communicate their ideas with others

Question 11

Def: positive linear relationship

Answer 11

increases in the 1st variable are accompanied by increases in the 2nd variable.

Question 12

Def: negative linear relationship

Answer 12

increases in the 1st variable are accompanied by decreases in the 2nd.

Question 13

Def: curvilinear relationship

Answer 13

changes in the 1st variables are accompanied by systematic increases & decreases in another.

Question 14

Def: no relationship

Answer 14

Increases in one variable aren’t associated with any particular changes in the 2nd variable; a flat line describes the lack of relationship between the 2.

Question 15

Def: correlation coefficient

Answer 15

A numerical index of the strength of the relationship between variables

Question 16

Def: non-experimental method

Answer 16

relationships are studied by observing variables of interest.

Question 17

Def: correlational method

Answer 17

allows us to observe covariation between variables.
Method isn’t ideal when we ask questions abt cause & effect
It can be difficult to tell the direction of cause & effect - which variable affects the other.
Researchers face the 3rd-variable issue: the possibility that one or more extraneous variables exists in the relationship being studied.
Type of non-experimental method

Question 18

Def: confounding variable

Answer 18

When we know that an uncontrolled 3rd variable is operating, we can call the 3rd variable

Question 19

Def: experimental method

Answer 19

the researcher manipulates the independent variable & controls all other variables either by randomization or by direct experimental control.
The 2 variables don’t merely vary together, 1 variable is introduced 1st to determine whether it affects the 2nd variable.
Method reduces ambiguity, & thus uncertainty, in the interpretation of results.

Question 20

Def: IV

Answer 20

1. The manipulated variable
2. The variable that is considered to be the cause

Question 21

Def: DV

Answer 21

1. The variable that’s measured
2. The variable that is the effect

Question 22

_________ procedures ensure that any _______ between groups are due to the manipulated variable.

Answer 22

Experimental, diffs

Question 23

Def: experimental control

Answer 23

extraneous variables are controlled, by making sure every feature of the env except the manipulated variable is held constant.

Question 24

Def: randomization

Answer 24

any variable that cannot be held constant is controlled by making sure that the effects of the variable are random.

Question 25

There’s 2 issues with making causal statements when the nonexperimental method is used:

Answer 25

It can be challenging to determine the direction of cause & effect
Researchers face the 3rd variable issue.

Question 26

_________ ensures that an extraneous variable is just as likely to ______ one experimental group as it’s to affect the other.

Answer 26

Randomization, affect

Question 27

Def: temporal precedence

Answer 27

causal variable should come first in temporal order of events & be followed by the effect.
The experimental method addresses temporal order by first manipulating the IV and then observing whether it has an effect on the DV.

Question 28

Def: covariation of cause & effect

Answer 28

demonstrated with the experimental method when participants in an experimental condition show the effect, whereas participants in the control don’t show the effect
Eliminat plausible alternative explanations

Question 29

A researcher manipulates the _____ & measures the resulting change in the ____.

Answer 29

IV, DV

Question 30

Def: participant variables

Answer 30

are characteristics of individuals, like age, gender, ethnic group, nationality, etc

Question 31

Def: field experiment

Answer 31

are experiments conducted in a natural setting.
They are more realistic but offer less control

Question 32

Using _____ methods of studying a phenomenon, both experimental and non-experimental, yields a better __________ of it.

Answer 32

multiple, understanding