psychological research

Question 1

Inductive reasoning

Answer 1

Conclusions are drawn from generalizations

Question 2

Deductive reasoning

Answer 2

Begins with a generalization(hypothesis) and is then tested against the real world

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

Set of ideas that propose an explanation for observed phenomena

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

Testable prediction. If then statement

Question 5

Inter rated reliability

Answer 5

A measure of reliability that assesses the consistency of observations by different observers

Question 6

Mode

Answer 6

Most frequent occurring response

Question 7

Median

Answer 7

The middle of a given set

Question 8

Mean

Answer 8

The average of all data points (sensitive to outliers)

Question 9

Longitudinal research

Answer 9

Data is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. Ex: survey a group of 20 year olds about their dietary habits then survey them again when they’re 40

Question 10

Cross sectional research

Answer 10

Compared multiple segments of the population at the same time. Ex: survey 20 year olds and 40 year olds at the same time

Question 11

Correlational research

Answer 11

There is a relationship between 2 or more variables but does not imply cause and effect. One variable changes and the other does too.

Question 11

Attrition

Answer 11

Reduction in number of research participants

Question 12

Correlation coefficient

Answer 12

A number from -1 to +1 that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between variables. Usually seen as a “r”

Question 13

The closer the number is to 1 or -1…

Answer 13

The more strongly related the variables are and more predictable changes in one variable will be with the other

Question 14

The closer the number is to 0…

Answer 14

The weaker the variable relationship is and the less predictable the variable relationship becomes

Question 15

Positive correlation

Answer 15

Variables move in the same direction

Question 16

Negative correlation

Answer 16

Variables move in opposite directions

Question 17

Confounding variable

Answer 17

Unanticipated outside factor that affects both variables

Question 18

Confirmation bias

Answer 18

Tendency to ignore evidence that disproves ideas or beliefs

Question 19

Experimental group

Answer 19

The variable being tested

Question 20

Control group

Answer 20

Variable is not tested

Question 21

Operational definition

Answer 21

Precise description of our variables and exactly how and what we are measuring

Question 22

Experimenter bias

Answer 22

Possibility that researchers expectations might skew the results of the study

Question 23

Single blind study

Answer 23

One of the participant groups does not know which group they are in but the experimenter does know

Question 24

Double blind study

Answer 24

Both the experimenter and participant do not know which group they’re in

Question 25

Placebo effect

Answer 25

People’s expectations or beliefs influence or determine their experience in a given situation

Question 26

Independent variable

Answer 26

Manipulated or controlled by the experimenter (the important one)

Question 27

Dependent variable

Answer 27

Variable the researcher measures to see how much effect the IV had… The dependent variable depends on the IV.

Question 28

Reliability

Answer 28

The ability to consistently produce a given result

Question 29

Validity

Answer 29

The extent to which a given tool or instrument accurately measures what it is supposed to measure