RMA: WEEK 1

Question 1

Psychology as a scientific discipline

Answer 1

• science refers to testing hypotheses > psychology aims to test hypotheses and prove predictions with observable outcomes + data

Question 2

Independent variable

Answer 2

• What we manipulate in an experiment

Question 3

Dependent variable

Answer 3

• What we measure in an experiment

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

• A testable prediction

Question 5

Problems with scientific research

Answer 5

• Research can be biased by researcher or participants (demand characteristic, researcher bias)
• Ethics may be breached (if the ppt isn’t aware of all aspects etc)
• Confounding variables may be present (won’t know exactly what is being measured)
• Issues w/ reactivity > when people adjust behaviour as they are more aware of what is happening in the research

Question 6

How to avoid reactivity effects

Answer 6

• Use a single blind design: ppt are unaware of the situation so they are less likely to act differently > but researcher can still give unconscious + non verbal cues
• Use a double blind design: Neither the ppt or observer are aware, an independent researcher who knows little about the study could carry out the experiment
• use a placebo