Module 2 (Research Strategies) Flashcards
Scientific method
-a self-correcting process for evaluating ideas with observation and analysis
-Combines curiosity, skepticism, and humility
Asch line judging experiment
-a famous psychology study conducted by Solomon Asch
-participants were asked to judge the length of lines, but were placed in a group where most other members (who were actually confederates) deliberately gave incorrect answers
-this led to the study participant often conforming to the group’s wrong answer
-demonstrated the power of social influence and peer pressure on individual decision-making
Descriptive method
-describe behaviors on which one individual/group is studied in depth in hope of revealing universal principles
-includes case-studies, naturalistic observations, surveys
Case study
-a descriptive method in which one individual/group is studied in depth in hope of revealing universal principles
-used often in neuropsychology
-disadvantages: only applies to single/few individuals, not sure how representative
Naturalistic observation
-a descriptive technique of observing/recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without changing/controlling the situation
-disadvantages: observer reactivity, biased observers
Observer reactivity
-a psychological phenomenon that occurs when someone’s behavior changes because they are aware of being observed
Survey
-a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes/behaviors of a particular group
-usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group
-disadvantages: observer reactivity, biased samples
-random samples help get representative sample
Benefits of random samples
-provides an unbiased representation of the population
-minimizes the risk of researcher bias
-allows for accurate generalizations about the larger group
-ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected
-makes the sample more representative and reliable for research purposes
-Not random introduces potential confounds
Researcher bias
-occurs when the researcher’s beliefs or expectations influence the research design or data collection process
Correlational methods
-measuring two variables and assessing the relationship between them, with no manipulation of an independent variable
-associates different variables
-Cannot make cause/effect statement, only correlation
-3rd variable problem: variable that may not be accounted for that could contribute to relationship between two variables
-ex. smoking and lung cancer
Correlation coefficient
-a statistical index of the direction/strength of the relationship between 2 things (-1.00 to +1.00)
Positive correlation
-0 to +1.00
-indicates a direct relationship (two things increase/decrease together)
-ex. the more hours you work, the more money you earn
Negative correlation
-0 to -1.00
- indicates an inverse relationship (as one increases, other decreases)
-ex. the more you exercise, the less you weigh
Near 0 correlation
-weak correlation, little to no relationship
-ex. the amount of chocolate someone eats and how many hours they spend on homework
Experimental methods
-manipulates variables to discover their effects
