Research Methods

Question 1

What is Homer’s Guide to the Scientific Method?

Answer 1

Hypothesize
Operationalize
Measure
Evaluate
Revise/Replicate

Question 2

What is a theory?

Answer 2

An integrated set of principles that explain and predict observed events

Question 3

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 3

Testable prediction about the conditions under which an event will occur

Question 4

How do we know a good theory?

Answer 4

1) Can summarize a wide range of observations
2) Makes clear predictions we can use to confirm the theory and create new research
3) Suggests practical applications for the researcher

Question 5

What is basic research?

Answer 5

Goal is to increase understanding of human behavior, often by testing a particular hypothesis (asking for the sake of asking)

Question 6

What is applied research?

Answer 6

Goal is to use social psychology theories to understand world events and social problems

Question 7

What is a conceptual definition?

Answer 7

General, abstract definition of a variable (dictionary definition)

Question 8

What is an operational definition?

Answer 8

Specific description of a variable that allows it to be measured and/ore manipulated

Question 9

What are observational studies?

Answer 9

Watching behavior in real-life situations

Question 10

What are archival studies?

Answer 10

Existing data are used to test a hypothesis

Question 11

What are surveys?

Answer 11

A representative sample of people are asked questions about various topics

Question 12

What is random sampling (selection)?

Answer 12

Everyone in population of interest has an equal chance of being selected

Question 13

What is correlational research?

Answer 13

Examine the extent to which 2 variables are associated, related, or linked

Question 14

What is experimental research?

Answer 14

Manipulate one or more variables, while controlling for others, in order to test for cause and effect relationships

Question 15

What 2 things are necessary in experimental research?

Answer 15

1) Manipulation of independent variable
2) Random assignment of participants to conditions

Question 16

What is an independent variable?

Answer 16

Variable that is manipulated to determine whether it affects the dependent variable

Question 17

What are subject variables?

Answer 17

When characteristics of participants are treated like independent variables (can’t be changed but can be measured) EX: gender, religion, traits

Question 18

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 18

Variable that is measured to determine whether it is affected by the IV

Question 19

What is random assignment?

Answer 19

Randomly sorts participants into 2 groups (experimental and control) so that participants have an equal chance of being in either group

Question 20

What is an experimental group?

Answer 20

Group that receives treatment

Question 21

What is a control group?

Answer 21

Does not receive treatment manipulation

Question 22

What is internal validity?

Answer 22

Degree to which you are certain that the independent variable caused the change in the dependent variable (good random assignment)

Question 23

What is external validity?

Answer 23

Degree to which you are certain that the results of a study could be generalized to other populations

Question 24

Which type of validity is prioritized in social psychology?

Answer 24

Internal validity is prioritized

Question 25

What are some ways you can ensure ethical treatment of participants?

Answer 25

Informed consent, using deception only when necessary, keep information confidential, protect participants from harm, and debrief participants about the purpose of the study