Psychological Research

Question 1

What is the difference between amateur psychology and scientific psychology?

Answer 1

Amateur psychology relies on intuition or personal beliefs, while scientific psychology uses rigorous testing and the scientific method to confirm or disprove ideas.

Question 2

What is the scientific method?

Answer 2

A structured approach to inquiry that reduces bias and ensures reliable data, using six steps: Observe, Research, Formulate Hypothesis, Test Hypothesis, Analyze, and Share Results.

Question 3

What is descriptive research?

Answer 3

A method that involves observing and describing behavior without determining cause and effect, often using case studies, surveys, and real-world observations.

Question 4

What is correlational research?

Answer 4

A research method that explores relationships between variables to identify patterns but does not establish causality.

Ex: Correlation to voters IQ, level of education, employment status, age, gender, income, and so on.

Question 5

What is experimental research?

Answer 5

A research method involving controlled experiments where one variable is manipulated to observe its effect on another, establishing cause and effect.

Question 6

What are the six steps of the scientific method?

Answer 6

1. Observe and Question, 2. Research, 3. Formulate a Hypothesis, 4. Test the Hypothesis, 5. Analyze and Conclude, 6. Share the Results.

Question 7

Why are ethical guidelines important in psychological research?

Answer 7

They ensure participants are treated with respect and not harmed, and confidentiality is maintained, especially in research involving human subjects.

Question 8

What are some emerging ethical issues in neuroethics?

Answer 8

As brain research advances, new ethical concerns arise, such as how brain research might impact personal identity, autonomy, and the use of brain-altering technologies.

Question 9

What is the difference between reliability and validity in research?

Answer 9

Reliability refers to the consistency of data, while validity refers to whether the research measures what it claims to measure.

Question 10

What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

Answer 10

An IRB reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met, including participant safety and the adherence to guidelines for both human and animal research.

Question 11

What is informed consent in research?

Answer 11

A process where participants are fully informed about the study’s purpose, risks, and benefits and agree to participate voluntarily, usually documented through a signed consent form.

Question 12

What is sampling bias, and how does it affect research?

Answer 12

Sampling bias occurs when the sample in a study is not representative of the broader population, leading to skewed or unreliable results.

Question 13

Why is random assignment important in experimental research?

Answer 13

It ensures participants have an equal chance of being placed in any group, reducing bias and enhancing the reliability of the results.

Question 14

What is the APA’s Ethical Code?

Answer 14

A set of guidelines that promotes ethical conduct in psychology, including principles like beneficence, fidelity, integrity, justice, and respect for people’s rights and dignity.

Question 15

What is a hypothesis in psychological research?

Answer 15

A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables that guides the research process.

Question 16

How does neuroethics address new ethical concerns?

Answer 16

It focuses on the implications of brain research, debating issues such as the use of brain scans to control behavior or the ethics of brain-altering technologies.

Question 17

What is the role of debriefing in research?

Answer 17

To ensure participants understand the purpose of the study, address any questions, and check for any negative reactions after participation.

Question 18

What are some ethical challenges in research design?

Answer 18

Ensuring that studies are fair, participants are treated ethically, and any risks are outweighed by the benefits, especially when using random assignment in experiments.

Question 19

Why must psychologists maintain confidentiality in clinical practice?

Answer 19

To build trust between the psychologist and the patient, while balancing ethical concerns like protecting individuals if they pose a risk to themselves or others.

Question 20

What does the Center for Cognitive Liberty and Ethics suggest about brain-altering technologies?

Answer 20

Individuals should never be forced to use such technologies, but they should not be prevented from using them as long as it doesn’t harm others.

Question 21

What is systematic observation in scientific research?

Answer 21

Collecting data in an organized way to avoid bias, ensuring that observations can be replicated and compared with other studies.

Question 22

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

Answer 22

1. Qualitative data: Descriptive information, such as characteristics or behaviors.
2. Quantitative data: Numerical measurements, such as statistics or counts.

Question 23

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 23

A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables, often specifying cause and effect.

Question 24

What are independent and dependent variables?

Answer 24

1. Independent variable: The factor that is manipulated in an experiment.
2. Dependent variable: The factor being measured, expected to change in response to the independent variable.

Question 25

What is an operational definition in research?

Answer 25

A clear, precise description of how variables are measured or defined in a study, allowing for replication.

Question 26

What is cognitive dissonance and how does it relate to the scientific method?

Answer 26

Cognitive dissonance occurs when behaviors conflict with attitudes or beliefs, prompting scientists to investigate these inconsistencies through research.

Question 27

What is the importance of reliability in research?

Answer 27

Reliability refers to the consistency of results across repeated measures, ensuring that findings are dependable and reproducible.

Question 28

What is sampling bias?

Answer 28

Sampling bias occurs when the participants chosen for a study do not represent the larger population, leading to skewed results.

Question 28

What is validity in research?

Answer 28

Validity means that a research method accurately measures what it claims to measure, ensuring the correctness of the conclusions drawn.

Question 29

What is the purpose of replication in research?

Answer 29

Replication involves repeating a study to confirm its findings, increasing the reliability and credibility of the results.

Question 30

What are the key safeguards in research involving human participants?

Answer 30

1. Risks must be outweighed by benefits.
2. Participants can withdraw from the study at any time.
3. Participants must be informed of all aspects of the study, including risks and benefits, through informed consent.

Question 31

What is informed consent?

Answer 31

Informed consent ensures participants are fully aware of their rights, study procedures, risks, benefits, and their ability to withdraw at any time, often documented through a signed form.

Question 32

What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

Answer 32

An IRB reviews research studies to ensure ethical issues and participant safety are considered, including risks and benefits on the brain, person, and group levels.

Question 33

What is debriefing in research?

Answer 33

Debriefing ensures that participants understand the study’s purpose and helps resolve any negative reactions they may have after participating.

Question 34

What ethical concerns exist in research with animals?

Answer 34

Without the ability to provide informed consent, IRBs must ensure that animals in research are housed properly and not mistreated.

Question 35

What ethical issues do clinical psychologists face in practice?

Answer 35

Clinical psychologists must ensure adequate training and supervision, respect patient privacy, and maintain confidentiality unless the patient threatens harm to themselves or others.

Question 36

What is beneficence and nonmaleficence according to the APA guidelines?

Answer 36

Psychologists strive to benefit those they work with and avoid harm, safeguarding the welfare and rights of both humans and animals in research.

Question 37

What is the APA’s principle of fidelity and responsibility?

Answer 37

Psychologists establish trust, uphold professional standards, and manage conflicts of interest to avoid exploitation or harm.

Question 38

Define the APA principle of integrity.

Answer 38

Psychologists promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness, avoiding fraud or misrepresentation, and address deception ethically when necessary.

Question 39

What does the APA principle of justice emphasize?

Answer 39

Fairness and justice entitle all individuals to equal access to psychological services, ensuring psychologists avoid biased or unjust practices.

Question 40

What does the APA principle of respect for people’s rights and dignity entail?

Answer 40

Psychologists respect privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination, being aware of cultural, individual, and role differences and eliminating bias in their work.

Question 41

What is neuroethics?

Answer 41

Neuroethics is a branch of ethics that focuses on the risks and benefits of brain research, particularly as technology advances and our understanding of brain functioning improves.

Question 42

What are two core principles suggested by the Center for Cognitive Liberty and Ethics?

Answer 42

1. Individuals should not be forced to use brain-altering technologies.
2. Individuals should be allowed to use such technologies if they desire, as long as it does not harm others.