Exam 1

Question 1

The Scientific Method

Answer 1

Systematic observations.
Avoiding biases.
Tentative conclusions.

Question 2

Descriptive Method

Answer 2

research techniques used to accurately describe and observe behaviors, patterns, or phenomena without manipulating variables

Question 3

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 3

Involves studying larger groups in their natural settings, allowing observations of real-world behavior.

Question 4

Case Studies

Answer 4

an in-depth analysis of one person or a small group

Question 5

Surveys

Answer 5

Allow researchers to gather data from large groups about attitudes and behavior

Question 6

Hawthorne Effect

Answer 6

the tendency for people to change their behavior when they are aware of being observed

Question 7

Confirmation bias

Answer 7

the human tendency to only seek out information that supports one position or idea

Question 8

Observer bias

Answer 8

the phenomenon where the observer’s knowledge of the treatment can influence their observations, either consciously or unconsciously

Question 9

Correlational Method

Answer 9

measures the strength and direction of a relationship between variables without manipulating any variables

Question 10

Positive Correlation

Answer 10

high levels of one variable associated with high levels of the other

Question 11

Negative Correlation

Answer 11

high levels of one variable associated with low levels of the other

Question 12

Zero Correlation

Answer 12

no relationship between the variables

Question 13

Scatterplots

Answer 13

show relationships on a graph

Question 14

Experimental Method

Answer 14

The formal experiment allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships, unlike descriptive and correlational methods

Question 15

Hypothesis

Answer 15

a testable prediction

Question 16

Independent Variable (IV)

Answer 16

The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable (the cause)

Question 17

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 17

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed in the experiment (effect)

Question 18

Operational Definitions

Answer 18

describes behavior so that it is observable and measurable, anyone who reads the definition will easily be able to identify if the behavior is occurring or not

Question 19

Attribute variables

Answer 19

Attribute variables represent categories or groups rather than numerical values. They can include variables like gender, race, marital status, and educational level.

Question 20

Validity

Answer 20

The degree to which a test or measurement tool accurately measures what it is intended to measure

Question 21

Reliability

Answer 21

The consistency of a measure or the ability to produce the same results when applied repeatedly to the same person or process

Question 22

Replication

Answer 22

The process of repeating a study to verify its results and determine if they are valid and reliable

Question 23

Meta-analysis

Answer 23

A statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple studies on a specific topic to create a comprehensive understanding of the subject

Question 24

Likert Scale

Answer 24

a rating system that measures attitudes, opinions, or perceptions by asking respondents to choose from a range of answer options

Question 25

MRI

Answer 25

studies brain anatomy

Question 26

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Answer 26

studies brain function

Question 27

Spinal cord

Answer 27

Part of central nervous system (CNS), but can function independently of brain

Question 28

Brainstem