Module 2 (Research Strategies)

Question 1

Scientific method

Answer 1

-a self-correcting process for evaluating ideas with observation and analysis
-Combines curiosity, skepticism, and humility

Question 2

Asch line judging experiment

Answer 2

-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

Question 3

Descriptive method

Answer 3

-describe behaviors on which one individual/group is studied in depth in hope of revealing universal principles
-includes case-studies, naturalistic observations, surveys

Question 4

Case study

Answer 4

-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

Question 5

Naturalistic observation

Answer 5

-a descriptive technique of observing/recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without changing/controlling the situation
-disadvantages: observer reactivity, biased observers

Question 6

Observer reactivity

Answer 6

-a psychological phenomenon that occurs when someone’s behavior changes because they are aware of being observed

Question 7

Survey

Answer 7

-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

Question 8

Benefits of random samples

Answer 8

-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

Question 9

Researcher bias

Answer 9

-occurs when the researcher’s beliefs or expectations influence the research design or data collection process

Question 10

Correlational methods

Answer 10

-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

Question 11

Correlation coefficient

Answer 11

-a statistical index of the direction/strength of the relationship between 2 things (-1.00 to +1.00)

Question 12

Positive correlation

Answer 12

-0 to +1.00
-indicates a direct relationship (two things increase/decrease together)
-ex. the more hours you work, the more money you earn

Question 13

Negative correlation

Answer 13

-0 to -1.00
- indicates an inverse relationship (as one increases, other decreases)
-ex. the more you exercise, the less you weigh

Question 14

Near 0 correlation

Answer 14

-weak correlation, little to no relationship
-ex. the amount of chocolate someone eats and how many hours they spend on homework

Question 15

Experimental methods

Answer 15

-manipulates variables to discover their effects

Question 16

Independent variable

Answer 16

-manipulated variable

Question 17

Dependent variable

Answer 17

-variable that changes due to independent variable

Question 18

Control group

Answer 18

-group that doesn’t receive independent variable

Question 19

Experimental group

Answer 19

-group that receives independent variable

Question 20

Confound

Answer 20

-a factor that can affect the outcome of an experiment by influencing both the supposed cause and effect
-to avoid confounds, two groups must be as similar as possible

Question 21

Informed consent

Answer 21

-giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate

Question 22

What should be present in experiment to adhere to ethics

Answer 22

-informed consent from participants
-a favorable risk-benefit ratio (minimizing potential harm)
-respecting participant autonomy (right to withdraw, confidentiality)
-fair subject selection
-independent review by ethics committee
-debrief

Question 23

Debrief

Answer 23

-post-experimental explanation of a study, includes purpose