Critical Thinking

Question 1

What are the two components when analysing an argument?

Answer 1

Identifying components & Evaluating the strength of the argument.

Question 2

What are the two necessary components when reaching a conclusion?

Answer 2

Evidence + Reasons.

Question 3

State some important concepts when evaluating an argument’s strength.

Answer 3

Is the conclusion logical from the evidence?
Is there alternative explanations?
Is the evidence sound?
Small effect size?
Are all terms clarified?

Question 4

What are the four main areas for analysing methods?

Answer 4

Design, sample, measurement and analysis.

Question 5

Name the two main issues of a cross-sectional correlational design.

Answer 5

Reverse causality & Third variable problem.

Question 6

How can you control for the third variable problem?

Answer 6

Measure additional variables that might correlate with the IV and DV. Control for these variables.

Question 7

What is selection bias and how can you control for it?

Answer 7

Selection bias is a systematic factor that affects who is in different groups. This can be controlled by randomisation (although this is not always possible).

Question 8

Name a key strength and weakness of a longitudinal correlational design.

Answer 8

There is no reverse causality problem.

The 3rd variable problem is still present.

Question 9

What is internal validity?

Answer 9

The ability to draw causal inferences from findings.

Question 10

What is external validity?

Answer 10

The ability to generalise findings to other domains.

Question 11

What is a confound variable? Name three ways to control it.

Answer 11

A confound variable is a variable which may be affecting the DV, therefore, the effect is not just caused by the IV.
Controlled by comparing results to a control condition, randomisation and using a within-subjects design (minimising individual differences).

Question 12

What is stratified sampling?

Answer 12

This is where particularly variables are measured and these are then equally distributed across conditions.

Question 13

What is representativeness?

Answer 13

The extent to which conclusions can be applied widely (to all of the relevant population).

Question 14

What is ecological validity?

Answer 14

The extent to which the study reflects natural behaviour. Real world applications.

Question 15

What is reliability?

Answer 15

Reliability is the consistency of a test.

Question 16

What is validity?

Answer 16

How well a test measures what it claims to.

Question 17

Define construct validity, predictive validity, content validity and face validity.

Answer 17

Construct validity: The extent to which a study measures the concept which it claims to.
Predictive validity: The extent to which results and conclusions can be used to predict real life applications of the study.
Content validity: The extent to which a study measures up against all the elements of the construct.
Face validity: The extent to which a study appears to measure what it claims to measure.

Question 18

Name two weaknesses of the self-report measure.

Answer 18

Recall bias & Social desirability.

Question 19

Why are blind/double-blind studies a strength?

Answer 19

Prevents the beliefs of the participants and experimenters influencing the responses collected.