Introduction to research

Question 1

objective

Answer 1

basing conclusions and interpretations on observable, verifiable data rather than personal biases and opinions

Question 2

empirical

Answer 2

based on the systematic collection and analysis of data

Question 3

theory

Answer 3

a well-established set of principles that aims to explain and predict human behavior based on evidence and observation

Question 4

falsifiable

Answer 4

a study or theory that can be potentially proven false through empirical evidence

Question 5

hypothesis

Answer 5

a specific, testable statement that predicts a relationship between variables or an expected outcome in a study

Question 6

correlational research

Answer 6

a non-experimental study design to asses a connection between variables, but not necessarily a cause-and-effect relationship

Question 7

experimental research

Answer 7

manipulating one variable and measuring the other to test direct causation

Question 8

variable

Answer 8

any characteristic of a person or thing that can change or take on different values

Question 9

independent variable (IV)

Answer 9

manipulated

Question 10

dependent variable (DV)

Answer 10

measured

Question 11

conceptual variable

Answer 11

an abstract idea or construct that a researcher wants to study, but cannot directly measure

Question 12

operational definition

Answer 12

a precise description of how a theoretical concept or variable will be measured or observed in a study

Question 13

participant variable

Answer 13

ex: age, gender, intelligence, personality traits, or socioeconomic status

Question 14

within-subjects designs

Answer 14

all participants take part in all conditions of the experiment

Question 15

between-subjects designs

Answer 15

randomly allocating participants to different conditions

Question 16

debrief

Answer 16

the process of informing participants about the true purpose, procedures, and any deceptions used in a study after they have completed their participation

Question 17

institutional review board

Answer 17

a committee within a research institution responsible for approving research proposals involving human participants, ensuring the ethical treatment of subjects, and guaranteeing informed consent

Question 18

informed consent

Answer 18

the process of a participant voluntarily agreeing to take part in a study after being fully informed about its purpose, procedures, and potential risks

Question 19

deception

Answer 19

the act of intentionally misleading participants about the true purpose, procedures, or nature of a study by providing false information or withholding crucial details

Question 20

ethics

Answer 20

a set of moral principles that guide psychologists in conducting research

Question 21

confidentiality

Answer 21

the ethical obligation of a researcher to protect the privacy of a participant