Unit 1 Test Review Flashcards
What is anthropology?
Anthropology is the study of human culture, evolution, and societies across time.
What are the different branches of anthropology and where is the focus?
- Cultural Anthropology: Studies cultures, beliefs, and traditions.
- Physical Anthropology: Focuses on human evolution and biological traits.
- Archaeology: Examines past societies through artifacts.
- Linguistic Anthropology: Studies language and communication in cultures.
What is sociology? Where is the focus?
Sociology is the study of society, social structures, institutions, and power struggles (e.g., gender, race, class).
What is psychology?
Psychology is the study of human behaviour and emotions at the individual level.
What kinds of questions would an anthropologist be interested in?
- How have cultural traditions changed over time?
- How do different societies organize themselves?
What kinds of questions would a sociologist be interested in?
- How do institutions shape individual behavior?
- How does gender affect social roles?
What kinds of questions would a psychologist be interested in?
- Why do people behave the way they do?
- What factors influence mental health?
What are the steps to the social science inquiry method?
- Identify a problem or question
- Focus: Take notes about what you already know and research what has been previously learned
- Develop a hypothesis
- Gather data
- Analyze data
- Crossroads - stop and check: Is there enough useful data?
- Draw conclusions and present results
- Reflect: What went well and what would you do differently next time?
What is a good hypothesis?
A testable and measurable statement predicting a relationship between variables.
What is the operational definition of variables?
A clear, specific way to measure a variable in a study.
What are the two different sampling techniques discussed in class?
- Random Sampling: Every individual has an equal chance of being selected.
- Convenience Sampling: Selecting participants who are easiest to access.
What are the different methods of data collection?
Case studies, experiments, surveys, interviews, observations, correlational studies.
What is the difference between primary and secondary research?
- Primary Research: New data collected firsthand (e.g., surveys, interviews).
- Secondary Research: Using existing data (e.g., books, articles).
What are the pros and cons of each method of data collection?
- Case Studies: + In-depth, - Unrepresentative.
- Experiments: + Controlled, - May be unethical.
- Surveys: + Large sample, - Dishonest responses.
- Interviews: + Detailed, - Time-consuming.
- Observations: + Natural behavior, - Observer bias.
What are the different types of observation?
- Unstructured: No specific focus.
- Structured: Pre-planned focus.
- Participant Observation: Researcher joins the group.
- Naturalistic Observation: Watching without interference.
How does each discipline approach data collection differently?
- Anthropology: Fieldwork, participant observation.
- Sociology: Surveys, interviews, large-scale studies.
- Psychology: Experiments, case studies, clinical trials.
How does a correlational study differ from an experimental study?
Correlation: Measures relationships but does not prove causation.
Experiment: Manipulates variables to determine cause and effect.
Differentiate between positive and negative correlations.
- Positive: Both variables increase together.
- Negative: One variable increases while the other decreases.
What is a strong correlation coefficient? What is a weak correlation coefficient?
- Strong: Closer to ±1.
- Weak: Closer to 0.
Explain the directionality problem.
It’s unclear whether X causes Y or vice versa.
What are third variables?
Unmeasured factors that influence both variables.
What are the key components of experimental studies?
Control group, experimental group, independent and dependent variables.
What are control groups and what are experimental groups?
- Control Group: Does not receive the treatment.
- Experimental Group: Receives the treatment.
What is the difference between independent variables and dependent variables?
- Independent Variable: The factor being manipulated.
- Dependent Variable: The outcome being measured.
What is a placebo?
A fake treatment used to control for participant expectations.
What are confounding variables?
Uncontrolled factors that can distort results.
What are the three types of reliability?
- Test-Retest Reliability: Consistency over time.
- Interrater Reliability: Agreement between observers.
- Internal Consistency: Consistency within a test.
Ethical experiments are designed to ensure no ___________ and/or ___________ harm is done.
Ethical experiments are designed to ensure no PHYSICAL and/or PSYCHOLOGICAL harm is done.
What is the Belmont Report and why is it necessary?
A set of ethical principles ensuring participants’ rights and well-being in research.
Three Principles:
- Respect for Persons: Informed consent, protection for vulnerable individuals.
- Beneficence: Minimize harm, maximize benefits.
- Justice: Fair distribution of research benefits.
Reliability vs. Validity
- Reliability is the extent to which the outcomes are consistent when the experiment is repeated more than once (Consistency)
- Validity is the extent to which the instruments that are used in the experiment measure exactly what you want them to measure (True or false)
What are a psychologist’s schools of thoughts?
- Behaviorism: Focuses on learned behaviours.
- Cognitive Psychology: Studies mental processes.
- Psychoanalysis: Focuses on unconscious motives.
- Humanism: Emphasizes personal growth.
