Research Strategies

Question 0

What is the simplest scientific technique?

Answer 0

Observation. It does not present a problem

Question 1

What is the scientific method?

Answer 1

A method of learning about the world through the application of critical thinking and tools such as observation, experimentation and statistical analysis.

Question 2

What is confirmation bias

Answer 2

A tendency to search for information that confirms a preconception

Question 3

What is participant bias

Answer 3

A tendency for research participants to behave in a certain way because they know they are being observed where they believe they know what the researcher wants

Question 4

What is naturalistic observation

Answer 4

Observing and recording behavior without manipulating or controlling the situation

Question 5

Explain a case study

Answer 5

A single individual is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles. This method is prone to bias and it may not be possible to extend the results of one case study to other people. Case studies maybe possible when the other types of research are unacceptable or unethical

Question 6

What is a correlation study

Answer 6

A research project design to discover the degree to which two variables are related to each other. They are useful for making predictions.

Question 7

Explain a survey.

Answer 7

And efficient way to collect information about peoples attitudes or behaviors. By asking questions on the questionnaire or in an interview they may receive what they’re looking for

Question 8

Explain an unbiased question

Answer 8

When the wording of the question may create bias. For example rather than asking do you like horticulture, a person should ask if they like flowers

Question 9

What is social desirability.

Answer 9

When a person answers the question in a certain way because they think they should

Question 10

What is a random sample?

Answer 10

A sample that fairly represents a population to drop adequate conclusions about their populations

Question 11

What is a Longitudinal Study?

Answer 11

Follows the same group of individuals over a long period of time. They provide a rich source of data that are expensive and difficult to conduct.

Question 12

What is a cross-sectional study.?

Answer 12

Compare people of different ages at one time.

Question 13

Explain experiments

Answer 13

The only method that allows us to draw conclusions about cause and effect relationships an experiment is a research method in which researchers manipulate and control certain variables to observe the effect on other variables.

Question 14

What are ethical guidelines?

Answer 14

Guidelines that researchers must follow to protect the rights of the participants.

Question 15

What are the four strict guidelines set by the APA

Answer 15

1) informed consent
2) right to be protected from harm and discomfort
3) right of confidentiality
4) right to debriefing

Question 16

What are some reasons for animal research?

Answer 16

• interesting animal behavior as a topic of study
• Data from animal studies may apply to humans
• easier to do some studies due to a shorter lifespan
• easier to exercise control over experiments as compared to humans
• procedures that may not be ethical to perform on humans may be acceptable to perform on animals