Q1 introduction to research Flashcards
goals of psychology research (3)
- describe
- predict
- explain
what tools do we use to describe in research?
surveys, polls, observation
what tools do we use to predict in research?
correlational studies
what is the point of using research to predict?
we can use variables or factors that relate to each other to predict the future
what tools do we use to explain in research?
experimental studies
how do we determine causality in research?
experiments help us establish causation and directionality by changing a single variable
what are the five steps of the scientific method?
- hypothesize
- operationalize
- measure
- evaluate
- replicate
what is a hypothesis?
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
what type of reasoning is a hypothesis drawn from?
induction
what type of reasoning is theory drawn from?
deduction
what is a theory?
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
theories are said to be parsimonious. what does this mean?
using few concepts and processes to explain a phenomenon
what must be true of a theory as far as research goes?
they must generate testable hypotheses and stimulate other researchers to conduct more research to test the theory
can you prove a hypothesis?
no
a priori hypotheses
when you make the hypotheses before you collect the data; based on facts or theory, tested by collecting data
what is the open science framework?
scientists upload hypotheses, methods, etc. beforehand to offer transparency in the science and research community
post hoc hypotheses
when you create hypotheses after you collect your data
these are especially vulnerable to confirmation bias
what does it mean to operationalize?
you make concepts of interest testable
conceptual definition
abstract, dictionary definition
operational definition
applicable to your study, specific, and measurable
what does it mean to measure in the context of the scientific method?
to conduct a study or experiment
what does it mean to evaluate in the context of the scientific method?
to examine the data of your study using statistical analyses
how can you determine if you hypotheses were confirmed or disconfirmed?
you want the probability of you obtaining your results by chance to be low to imply a significant impact or difference between groups
what does it mean to replicate in the context of the scientific method?
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
