Research Methods

Question 1

Case study

Answer 1

An in depth examination of a rare event

Question 2

Pro and con of case study

Answer 2

Pro: Examine rare instances
Con: Cannot be applied to general population

Question 3

Naturalistic observation

Answer 3

A research method, commonly used by psychologists that includes observing subjects in their natural environment

Question 4

Correlation

Answer 4

Statistical measurement between variables to show relationship

Question 5

Experimental

Answer 5

Hypothesis that is scientifically tested

Question 6

Survey

Answer 6

A data collection tool used to gather information about individuals

Question 7

Pro and con of correlational study

Answer 7

Pro: attempts to show relationship between variables
Con: correlation is not a causation

Question 8

Pro and con of experimental study

Answer 8

Pro: manipulation of variables and shows cause and effect
Con: time consuming

Question 9

Pro and con of survey study

Answer 9

Pro: cheap and allow large number of subjects
Con: participant bias and questions can be framed

Question 10

Hindsight bias

Answer 10

Viewing events that happened as more predictable that they are

Question 11

Operational definition

Answer 11

Statement of how you will measure the behaviors

Question 12

Replication

Answer 12

Referring to the repetition of a research study, generally with different situations and different subjects

Question 13

Range

Answer 13

Subtracting the smallest observations from the greatest and provides an indication of statistical dispersion

Question 14

Normal curve

Answer 14

When all measures of central tendency occur at the highest point in the curve (bell shaped)

Question 15

Statistically significant

Answer 15

Relationship with a variable not due to chance

Question 16

Generalize

Answer 16

The tendency to respond in the same way to different but similar stimuli

Question 17

Sample

Answer 17

The group of people out of a population who take park in the study

Question 18

Population

Answer 18

The total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn

Question 19

Random sampling

Answer 19

Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected to represent the whole

Question 20

Random assignment

Answer 20

Use of chance procedures in psychology to ensure that each participant has the same opportunity to be assigned to a certain group

Question 21

Stratified sampling

Answer 21

The researcher divides the entire population into different subgroups then randomly selects the final subjects proportionally from the different strata

Question 22

Participant bias

Answer 22

The results become non-representative because the participants possess certain traits that effect the outcome

Question 23

Variables

Answer 23

Anything that can vary, or change- applies to experimental investigations

Question 24

Confounding variables

Answer 24

Extra variables that can influence the study

Question 25

Correlation coefficient

Answer 25

A number between -1 and +1 that represents the dependence between 2 variables

Question 26

Positive correlation

Answer 26

As one variable decreases the other decreases (vv)

Question 27

Negative correlation

Answer 27

When one variable increases, the other decreases (vv)

Question 28

Illusory correlation

Answer 28

The phenomenon of perceiving a relationship between 2 variables even when no relationship exists

Question 29

Independent variable

Answer 29

Changes/manipulated

Question 30

Dependent variable

Answer 30

The measurable outcome

Question 31

Control group

Answer 31

The group that doesn’t receive any treatment

Question 32

Experimental group

Answer 32

The subject that changes

Question 33

Placebo

Answer 33

A harmless pill or procedure used for more psychological benefit to the patient

Question 34

Double blind study

Answer 34

Both the subject and the experimenter do not know what group they’re in

Question 35

Debriefing

Answer 35

The post experimental explanation of a study