Psychology chapter 2 - methodology

Question 1

Theory

Answer 1

a comprehensive explanation of observable events

Question 2

Falsifiable:

Answer 2

the theory makes sufficiently precise predictions that we can
at least imagine evidence that would contradict the theory

Question 3

Hypothesis:

Answer 3

testable predictions of what will happen under certain
conditions

Question 4

Parsimony

Answer 4

scientists prefer the theory that explains the results using the
simplest solutions

Question 5

3 principles of theory of evolution

Answer 5

Variation, heritability, selection

Question 6

case history

Answer 6

thorough description of one unusual person

Question 7

Naturalistic observations

Answer 7

observation of behaviour in natural setting (mostly used to study animal behaviour)

Question 8

Correlation study

Answer 8

the correlation between two variables is measured without controlling either of them (e.g., surveys)

Question 9

Anterograde amnesia

Answer 9

Person is unable to make new memories

Question 10

Variable

Answer 10

any characteristic or factor that can vary

Question 11

Operational definition

Answer 11

(How are measurements done)
specifies the operations or procedures
used to produce or measure something

Question 12

Population

Answer 12

Entire group researcher wishes to study

Question 13

Sample

Answer 13

Individuals the researcher actually studies

Question 14

Random sample

Answer 14

every individual in the
population has an equal chance of being selected

Question 15

Representative sample

Answer 15

the sample resembles
the population (in its percentage of males vs.
females, etc)

Question 16

Experiment between subject design:

Answer 16

compare treatment group to control group, using
random assignment to groups

Question 17

Random assignment

Answer 17

each individual has an equal chance of being assigned to either group.

Question 18

Experiment within subject design

Answer 18

compare treatment condition to control condition

Question 19

Inependent variable

Answer 19

the variable the experimenter is manipulating

Question 20

Dependent variable

Answer 20

the variable the experimenter is measuring

Question 21

Validity of variables

Answer 21

the extent to which your measure really measures what it is supposed to measure

Question 22

Internal validity

Answer 22

the extent to which the effect in your study is truly caused
by the manipulation of the independent variable

Question 23

External validity

Answer 23

the extent to which your results can be generalized from sample to population

Question 24

Investigator effects

Answer 24

the experimenter influences
participant behavior; can be deliberate or accidental

Question 25

Demand characteristics

Answer 25

cues that signal to the participants what is expected of them

Question 26

Confirmation bias

Answer 26

experimenter’s beliefs affect the interpretation of the results
You only want to accept what is up to your beliefs)

Question 27

Single blind study

Answer 27

Researcher knows treatment group

Question 28

Double blind study

Answer 28

Both participants and researcher are unaware which is the treatment group

Question 29

Informed consent

Answer 29

Before people agree to participate in research they should be informed about
- Study purpose/procedure
- Study potential benefits and risks
- Right to declined participation and withdraw anytime wo/ penalty
- Whether repsponses will be confidential and otherwise how privacy is safeguarded