psy chapter 2

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

the process scientists use to conduct research, which includes a continuing cycle of exploration, critical thinking, and systematic observation

Question 2

what does the scientific method help do?

Answer 2

minimize errors in human thinking

Question 3

experiment

Answer 3

a controlled procedure involving scientific observations and/or manipulations by the researcher to influence participants’ thinking, emotions, or behaviors

Question 4

What are the five steps of the scientific method?

Answer 4

1. Develop a question
2. Develop a hypothesis
3. Design study and collect data
4. Analyze the data
5. share the findings

Question 5

operational definition

Answer 5

the precise manner in which a variable of interest is defined and measured

Question 6

Variables

Answer 6

measurable characteristics that can vary over time or across individuals

Question 7

population

Answer 7

all members of an identified group about which a researcher is interested

Question 8

sample

Answer 8

a subset of a population chosen for inclusion in an experiment

Question 9

random sample

Answer 9

A subsection of a population chosen through a procedure that ensures all members of the population have an equal chance of being selected to participate in the study

Question 10

representative sample

Answer 10

a group of people with characteristics similar of the population of interest

Question 11

descriptive research

Answer 11

a type of investigation psychologist use to explore phenomenon

Question 12

what is a strength to descriptive research?

Answer 12

useful for studying new or unexplored topics

Question 13

what is a limitation in descriptive research?

Answer 13

cannot reveal cause and effect relationship

Question 14

what are some types of descriptive research?

Answer 14

• naturalistic observation
• case study
• survey method

Question 15

naturalistic observation

Answer 15

a type of descriptive research that studies participants in their natural environment through systematic observation

Question 16

case study

Answer 16

a detailed examination of individual or small group

Question 17

what is the goal of a case study?

Answer 17

provide a wealth of information from a variety of resources

Question 18

what is a strength of a case study?

Answer 18

helpful for studying rare or understudied events

Question 19

what is a limitation of a case study?

Answer 19

cannot provide definitive support for a hypothesis

Question 20

correlation method

Answer 20

type of research examining relationships among variables

Question 21

Correlation

Answer 21

An association or relationship between two (or more) variables.

Question 22

positive correlation

Answer 22

both variables move in the same direction

Question 23

negative correlation

Answer 23

variables move in opposite directions

Question 24

correlation coefficient

Answer 24

a statistical measure that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables

Question 25

what cannot be determined with correlations?

Answer 25

directionality

Question 26

third variable

Answer 26

some unaccounted for characteristic of the participants or their environment that explains the changes in the two other variables

Question 27

experimental method

Answer 27

A type of research that manipulates a variable of interest (independent variable) to uncover cause-and-effect relationships.

Question 28

random assignment

Answer 28

the process of appointing study participants to experimental or control groups, ensuring that every person has an equal chance of being assigned to either

Question 29

experimental group

Answer 29

the participants in an experiment who are exposed to the treatment variable or manipulation by the researcher; represent the treatment group

Question 30

control group

Answer 30

the participants in an experiment who are not exposed to the treatment variable; this is the comparison group

Question 31

independent variable

Answer 31

in the experimental method, the variable manipulated by the researcher to determine its effect on the dependent variable. may be more than one in an experiment

Question 32

dependent variable

Answer 32

in the experimental method, the characteristic or response that is measured to determine the effect of the researchers manipulation

Question 33

extraneous variable

Answer 33

a characteristic of participants or the environment that could unexpectedly influence the outcome of a study

Question 34

cofounding variable

Answer 34

A type of extraneous variable that changes in sync with the independent variable, making it difficult to discern which one is causing changes in the dependent variable.

Question 35

double-blind

Answer 35

a type of study in which neither the participants nor the researchers administering the independent variable knows which participants is receiving the treatment and which is getting the placebo

Question 36

placebo

Answer 36

an inert substance given to members of the control group

Question 37

experimenter bias

Answer 37

researcher expectations that influence the outcome of the study

Question 38

Reliability

Answer 38

the consistency or stability of a measure

Question 39

Validity

Answer 39

the degree of accuracy of data collection methods; assessments measure what they intend to measure