Q1 introduction to research

Question 1

goals of psychology research (3)

Answer 1

1. describe
2. predict
3. explain

Question 2

what tools do we use to describe in research?

Answer 2

surveys, polls, observation

Question 3

what tools do we use to predict in research?

Answer 3

correlational studies

Question 4

what is the point of using research to predict?

Answer 4

we can use variables or factors that relate to each other to predict the future

Question 5

what tools do we use to explain in research?

Answer 5

experimental studies

Question 6

how do we determine causality in research?

Answer 6

experiments help us establish causation and directionality by changing a single variable

Question 7

what are the five steps of the scientific method?

Answer 7

1. hypothesize
2. operationalize
3. measure
4. evaluate
5. replicate

Question 8

what is a hypothesis?

Answer 8

a testable prediction which you can provide evidence for or against (falsifiable)
typically in “if…then…” form
it is a possible explanation for an observation

Question 9

what type of reasoning is a hypothesis drawn from?

Answer 9

induction

Question 10

what type of reasoning is theory drawn from?

Answer 10

deduction

Question 11

what is a theory?

Answer 11

an account of how or why something happens, supported and tested through various hypotheses
theories propose causal relationships explaining how one or more variables cause or lead to a particular emotional, behavioral, or cognitive outcome

Question 12

theories are said to be parsimonious. what does this mean?

Answer 12

using few concepts and processes to explain a phenomenon

Question 13

what must be true of a theory as far as research goes?

Answer 13

they must generate testable hypotheses and stimulate other researchers to conduct more research to test the theory

Question 14

can you prove a hypothesis?

Answer 14

no

Question 15

a priori hypotheses

Answer 15

when you make the hypotheses before you collect the data; based on facts or theory, tested by collecting data

Question 16

what is the open science framework?

Answer 16

scientists upload hypotheses, methods, etc. beforehand to offer transparency in the science and research community

Question 17

post hoc hypotheses

Answer 17

when you create hypotheses after you collect your data
these are especially vulnerable to confirmation bias

Question 18

what does it mean to operationalize?

Answer 18

you make concepts of interest testable

Question 19

conceptual definition

Answer 19

abstract, dictionary definition

Question 20

operational definition

Answer 20

applicable to your study, specific, and measurable

Question 21

what does it mean to measure in the context of the scientific method?

Answer 21

to conduct a study or experiment

Question 22

what does it mean to evaluate in the context of the scientific method?

Answer 22

to examine the data of your study using statistical analyses

Question 23

how can you determine if you hypotheses were confirmed or disconfirmed?

Answer 23

you want the probability of you obtaining your results by chance to be low to imply a significant impact or difference between groups

Question 24

what does it mean to replicate in the context of the scientific method?

Answer 24

if your hypothesis is supported, you may repeat or extend your study to confirm these results
if your hypothesis was not supported, you might revise your hypothesis or operational definitions