The Scientific Method

Question 1

7 steps of the Scientific Method

Answer 1

~study theories
~avoid jumping to conclusions
~generate new ideas
~evaluate the evidence
~report findings

Question 2

Why is psychology considered a science?

Answer 2

Because it is based of the scientific method. You research data to answer theories, make predictions and try to explain a phenomena.

Question 3

What are the ethical considerations of psychological research?

Answer 3

The precautions taken to protect the well being of the participant eg confidentiality, debriefing, informed consent, right to withdrawl

Question 4

What is the hypothesis?

Answer 4

Statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment

Question 5

Independent variable?

Answer 5

What you are changing eg Tv shows

Question 6

Dependent variable?

Answer 6

What you are measuring eg behaviour

Question 7

Extraneous variable?

Answer 7

All other variables that need to remain constant eg food/ drink/ intake/ medication/ family history/ intelligence

Question 8

Control group?

Answer 8

Group where iv is not changed

Question 9

Experimental group?

Answer 9

Iv is changed

Question 10

Random sampling?

Answer 10

Randomly selected may not include all groups

Question 11

Stratfied sampling?

Answer 11

Organise into groups then select randomly (proportional)

Question 12

Partcipant?

Answer 12

Person participating in a study

Question 13

Sample?

Answer 13

Small number of individuals to represnt the population

Question 14

Population?

Answer 14

People you are researching.

Question 15

Qualitative data?

Answer 15

Refers to the description of the characteristics being studied

Question 16

Quantitative data?

Answer 16

Refers to the measurements (numerical information) about the variables being studied.

Question 17

Mean?

Answer 17

The value obtained by dividing the sum pf several quantities by their number: an average

Question 18

Median?

Answer 18

The medium value of a range of values

Question 19

Mode?

Answer 19

The value that occurs most frequently in a given set of data.

Question 20

Overt behaviour?

Answer 20

Actions people can observe

Question 21

Covert behaviour?

Answer 21

Thinking and imagining people, cant observe.

Question 22

Experiment?

Answer 22

To make a discovery

Question 23

Natural observation?

Answer 23

Observing subjects in their natural environment.

Question 24

Survey?

Answer 24

Investigate opinions of people by asking them questions

Question 25

Case study?

Answer 25

Record of research into the development of people over a period of time

Question 26

ERA write up order?

Answer 26

Title- abstract- introduction- method- results- discussion

Question 27

Whats the difference between independent variables and dependent variables?

Answer 27

Independent variables the cause and the dependent variables are the effect.