Studying Behavior Scientifically Flashcards
What is Hindsight Understanding?
Relies on explanations after the fact. Can be explained in many ways.
What method does Understanding through prediction, Control, Theory use?
Uses scientific method.
Define a variable in psychological research.
Any characteristic that can vary.
How can variables be measured?
Measured through self report, physiological, behavioral.
What is a flaw of self-report measurements?
Desire to look good.
What is a flaw of physiological measurements?
Establishing link between physical and mental.
What is required for behavioral measurements to be valid?
Must be reliable.
What does descriptive research aim to do?
Describe behavior in natural settings.
What are the methods used in descriptive research?
Case studies, observation, surveys.
What do correlational studies examine?
Relationship between/among variables.
What do experimental methods determine?
Cause and effect.
What is a pro of case studies?
Useful for rare phenomena.
What is a con of case studies?
Questionable validity, can be biased.
What is naturalistic observation?
Observation of behavior in a natural setting.
What is a pro of naturalistic observation?
Good description.
What is a con of naturalistic observation?
Doesn’t prove anything.
What must survey research be to be effective?
Must be representative and random.
What is external validity?
Applicable to other people, settings, and conditions
External validity assesses the generalizability of research findings.
What does correlational research measure?
Measures (X) and (Y) and determines statistically if they are related
Correlational research examines relationships between variables without manipulating them.
What is bidirectionality in research?
X causes Y, Y causes X
Bidirectionality indicates that causation can flow in both directions between variables.
What does the correlation coefficient indicate?
Mathematically describes correlation, ranges from -1.0 to +1.0
A correlation coefficient close to 1 or -1 indicates a strong relationship, while values near 0 indicate weak or no relationship.
What are the pros of using correlational research?
- Shows strength of relationship present
- Can be used to predict variables
- Identifies real world associations
Correlational research can reveal patterns and relationships that may not be immediately obvious.
What are the cons of using correlational research?
- Can’t assume cause-effect
- Does not show cause, only association
- May be a 3rd unmeasured variable
Limitations include the inability to establish causation and the potential influence of unmeasured variables.
What is experimentation in research?
Independent variables manipulated, typically done in a lab, extraneous factors controlled
Experimentation allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships by controlling variables.
What characterizes descriptive research?
All variables measured, examines more natural contexts, extraneous factors not controlled
Descriptive research provides a detailed account of the variables in their natural settings.
What does validity refer to in experimental research?
How well an experiment tests what it is supposed to
Validity is crucial for ensuring that conclusions drawn from research are sound and reliable.
What is internal validity?
Degree to which conclusions are supported
Internal validity assesses whether the study accurately reflects the causal relationship it claims to measure.
What are some threats to internal validity?
- Confounding variables
- Rival explanations
- Placebo effect
- Experimenter expectancy effects
These threats can compromise the integrity of an experiment’s findings.
True or False: The placebo effect refers to a change in behavior due to expectations.
True
The placebo effect highlights the influence of participants’ beliefs on their responses.
What are experimenter expectancy effects?
Unintentional ways experimenters influence participants
These effects can lead to biased results if researchers inadvertently cue participants.
