Research methods and stats - revision 2 Flashcards
Describe the placebo effect?
improvements based on thinking positively about results rather than the actual treatment
What is hypothesis testing?
Generate a hypothesis to explain phenomenon and that compare to facts.
What is flasification?
Karl Popper - researchers actively try to falsify their hypotheses
Describe the Duhem-Quine principle
A hypothesis cannot be tested in isolation from other assumptions
What are the basic assumptions of science?
There is uniformity or regularity in nature. The reality of nature and discoverability.
The assumption of Uniformity and regularity in nature is based on
determinism - all mental processes and behaviors are caused by natural factors.
probabilistic causes - A weaker form of determinism - (causes that usually but may not always occur)
The assumption of the reality of nature is
that the things we hear, smell and touch, taste are real.
The assumption of discoverability is
that it is possible to discover regularities in nature and discover pieces of the puzzle that fit together.
Why are assumptions needed?
to understand, explain, and collect knowledge.
develop theories or laws or generalizations.
Why do we control for confounding variables?
for unambiguous answers for cause and event
What is replication?
Results from one study are replicated in new studies, thereby making the results more reliable.
Reasons for a failure to replicate
the effect does not exist, not the exact same conditions or different context
Metaanalysis
quantitative method identifying relationships across many studies
Experimental method vs descriptive research
Experimental deals with cause and effect
Descriptive deals with events, situations, phenomena
quantitative research vs qualitative studies
Quantitative research collects numerical data e.g ratings of intelligence, timed responses etc.
Qualitative research is non-numerical e.g records, statements, interviews
Define variable
A characteristic that varies across or within organisms, situations, or environments
Constant
a characteristic which does not vary
Categorical vs quantitative
Categorical variables vary by type - e.g gender, race, religion
Quantitative variables vary by degree or amount e.g reaction, time, height, age
Independent (IV) vs Dependent (DV)
IV = causes changes in another variable
DV = effect or outcome which is measured. Influenced by the IV.
Extraneous/confounding variable
Competes with IV in explaining the DV
mediating variable
the mediating variable operates between two other variables. It explains the how and why of a relationship.
Moderating variable
Explains the causal relationship which is dependent on a third variable that affects the strength and direction of the IV and DV. Explains the when and for whom of the existing relationship.
Examples of the moderating and the mediating variables
Moderating - Stress (IV) is experienced differently by either problem or emotion-focused coping (MV) resulting in higher or lower subjective well-being.
Mediating = Appraisals of control and value (IV) produce arousal (academic emotions) (MV) resulting in academic performance.
