Research

Question 1

Pre-Research Decisions

Answer 1

researchers start with Qs about a topic or hypothesis

Question 2

Samples

Answer 2

Psychologists take samples for an average group estimate

Question 3

External Validity

Answer 3

the results can be generalized to a larger population

Question 4

Random Sample

Answer 4

ensures that number has an equal chance of being selected

Question 5

Quantitative

Answer 5

Examine a larger number for a limited purpose

Question 6

Qualitative

Answer 6

examine a limited number in depth

Question 7

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 7

research method in which the psychologist observes the subject in a natural that involves an intense investigation of one or more participants

Question 8

Case Study

Answer 8

research method that involves an intense investigation of one or more participants

Question 9

Longitudinal Study

Answer 9

research method in which data is collected from a group of participants over a number of years to assess how certain characteristics change or remain the same during development

Question 10

Cross-Sectional Study

Answer 10

research method in which data are collected from groups of participants of different ages and compared so that conclusions can be drawn about differences due to age

Question 11

Correlation

Answer 11

relationship between 2 variables

Question 12

Experimentation

Answer 12

enables the investigation to control the situation

Question 13

Control Group

Answer 13

people who are treated the same but not exposed

Question 14

Scientific Attitude

Answer 14

Skepticism, humility

Question 15

Critical Thinking

Answer 15

Assess all parts of a claim, everything from the assertion to evidence to support it

Question 16

Surveys

Answer 16

Technique for ascertaining attitude, opinions, or behaviors of people usually by questioning a representative random sample of people
Validity of data depends on 1) how questions are worded
2) Representativeness of people surveyed
3) Willingness of people
4) People may say what they believe they are supposed to say

Question 17

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 17

Valuable where other methods may be misleading
problem: if people know they are observed they might act differently, ethically you should tell people when you observe them

Question 18

Correlation

Answer 18

When one trait relates to another
Positive correlation - IQ scores and success
Negative correlation - more practice and less errors

Question 19

Correlation Coefficient

Answer 19

r=+0.37
statistical measure that shows degree of relationship
\+ or - shows direction of relationship
# indicates strength of relationship
Always between -1.00 and +1.00

Question 20

Independent Variable

Answer 20

gets manipulates, cause, sitmulus

Question 21

Dependent Variable

Answer 21

results based on independent variable

Question 22

Operational Definition

Answer 22

know what each looks like and how it will be measured

Question 23

Confounding Variable

Answer 23

variables that have unwanted information

Question 24

Validity

Answer 24

extent to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure

Question 25

Single Blind Experiment

Answer 25

participants unaware of who recieved treatment

Question 26

Double Blind Experiment

Answer 26

neither participants or experimenter know which participants recieve treatment

Question 27

Placebo Effect

Answer 27

Change in the physical state of a person resulting from the belief that the treatment will have an effect

Question 28

Mean

Answer 28

add scores and divide by the number of scores

Question 29

Median

Answer 29

middle number

Question 30

Mode

Answer 30

the score that happens most often

Question 31

Standard Deviation

Answer 31

measure of variability that indicates the average distance between scores and their means
Low Deviation: numbers close to the mean
High Deviation: data spread over large range of values