Methods/Research Flashcards
a statement of results the experimenter expects
hypothesis
the scientific study of mental processes and behavior
psychology
a psychological approach where you view the individual as a product of unconscious forces
psychoanalysis
Psychologists who believe we are the product of learning and associations use this approach
behaviorial
People or animals on which a psychological study is conducted are called
subjects
The factor/variable that the experimenter manipulates or changes in an experiment is the
independent variable
The factor/variable in an experiment that changes or varies as a result of changes in the independent variable is the
dependent variable
Variables that are likely to affect the dependent variable/result of an experiment
relevant variable
A method of research that looks at different age groups at the same time in order to understand changes that occur during the life span is known as the
cross sectional method
A method of research that studies the same group of people over an extended period of time is the
longitudinal method
The group on which the critical part of the experiment is performed is the
experimental group
The group that does not participate in the critical part of the experiment is the
control group
A method of research that involves asking questions about feelings, opinions, or behavior patterns to a carefully selected group of people is called a
survey
A research method that involves collecting lengthy, detailed information about a person’s background, usually for psychological treatment, is the
case study
A research method that involves studying subjects without their being aware that they are being watched is known as
naturalistic observation
This specific type of applied psychologist may try to promote sound health principles in a workplace, such as leading smoking cessation programs
health psychologist
This specific type of applied psychologist may work with stores to study how consumers make decisions on purchases
consumer psychologist
This category of psychologists may work in a university setting, conducting experiments or gathering information about human behavior
research psychologists
This category of psychologists makes use of the findings of research psychologists and applies that knowledge to their work with clients
applied psychologists
This specific type of applied psychologist works with athletes to help them increase their performances with a mental focus
Sports psychologists
Psychologists who believe we all have a positive potential follow this approach
humanism
Psychologists who look at physical changes that take place during situations (such as monitoring heart rate, sweating, pupil dilation) and examine the correlation to our behavior follow this approach
Biopsychological Approach
Psychologists who follow this approach will look at how our thoughts influence our behavior; if we can change our illogical thoughts, we can change our behaviors
Cognitive Approach
Name some ethical guidelines of experimentation; review the Prisoner-Guard study and Milgram’s Obedience Study
open and honest; do no harm; maintain confidentiality; subject may stop participation at any time
Be sure to review the following in the context of an experiment
IV, DV, Experimental Group, Control Group, Relevant Variables, Irrelevant Variables
An experiment in which both participants and experimenters are unaware of who receives treatment
double blind experiment
in this type of experiment, participants (subjects) do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group
single blind experiment
approach to psychology? Jim makes offensive jokes because his father always laughed at him when he did
behaviorism
approach to psychology? Breanne stays at home night after night and feels depressed; she is a bright, capable girl but is not living up to her potential
humanism
approach to psychology? Susan feels anxiety because she always thinks people don’t like her
cognitive
approach to psychology? Frank always fights with his teachers; his therapist believes he has resentment toward authority figures (although he may not consciously be aware of this)
psychoanalysis
approach to psychology? Sally is afraid to ask her boss for a raise because in her culture, women are to be subservient to men
sociocultural
approach to psychology? Maria’s anxiety causes her heart to flutter
biopsychological
If students eat snacks when taking an exam then average test scores will increase. What is the independent variable?
eating snacks
If students eat snacks when taking an exam then average test scores will increase. What is the dependent variable?
test scores
If students eat snacks when taking an exam then average test scores will increase. What is the experimental group?
students allowed to eat snacks during exams
If students eat snacks when taking an exam then average test scores will increase. What is the control group?
students not allowed to eat snacks during exams
If students eat snacks when taking an exam then average test scores will increase. What is a relevant variable?
difficulty of test; same amount of snacks given to each student
If students eat snacks when taking an exam then average test scores will increase. What is an irrelevant variable?
brand of snacks; weather outside
type of psychologist? works for Kraft corporate determining shopping patterns of consumers at a higher socio-economic level
consumer
type of psychologist? works for Allegheny county police during mediation in hostage situations
forensic
type of psychologist? works for Westinghouse developing stress management programs
health
type of psychologist? works for Seneca Valley testing for learning disorders in students and developing action plans to assist them
school
type of psychologist? works at Westinghouse designing work stations that are not physically taxing on the employees
engineering
Variables that are not likely to affect the dependent variable/result of an experiment
irrelevant variables
what is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
psychologist: PhD
psychiatrist: MD (can prescribe medications)
