METHODS - statistical testing

Question 1

significance

Answer 1

the difference/association between 2 sets of data is greater than what would occur by chance

Question 2

probability

Answer 2

numerical measure of the likelihood that certain events will occur
accepted level of probability in psycholoy is 5%
if the hypothesis is accepted, there’s less than a 5% probability that the results occured by chance

Question 3

calculated and critical values

Answer 3

calculated value is compared to a critical value to decide wthere or not the result is significant or not

Question 4

finding the critical value

Answer 4

1) significance level
2) number of ppts in the investigation
3) wether hypothesis is directional or non-directional

Question 5

peer review

Answer 5

before publication, all aspects of the investigation are scrutinised by experts in the field
these experts should be objective and unknown to the researcher

Question 6

aims of peer review

Answer 6

1) funding - allocate research funding
2) validation of the quality and relevance of research
3) improvements and amendments are suggested

Question 7

strength of peer review

Answer 7

protects quality of published research - minimises possibility of fraudulent research and means published research is of the highest quality, preserves the reputation of psychology as a science and increases credibility and status of subject

Question 8

weaknesses of peer review

Answer 8

used to criticise rival research - minority of reviewers may use their anonymous status to criticise rival researchers, competition for limited research funding so legitimate issue

publication bias - tendency of editors of journals to want to publish ‘headline grabbing’ findings so research that doesn’t meet this criterion is ignored or disregarded

ground-breaking research may be buried - reviewers may be much more critical of research that contradicts their own view, peer review may slow down the rate of change within scientific disciplines

Question 9

psychology and the economy : attachment research into the role of the father

Answer 9

research has stressed importance of multiple attachments and the role of the father in healthy psychological development
may promote more flexible working arrangements in the family
modern parents are better equipped to contribute more effectively to the economy

Question 10

psychology and the economy : the development of treatment for mental illness

Answer 10

1/3 of all days off work are caused by mental disorders such as depression
psychological research into the causes and treatments of mental disorders means that patients have their condition diagnosed quickly
patients have access to therapies or psychotherapeutic drugs e.g SSRIs
sufferers can manage their condition effectively, return to work and contribute to their economy