Unit 2 Flashcards
Principles of scientific research
Based on measurements that are reliable, objective, and valid Generalize Use of technique that reduces bias Made public Can be replicated
Objective measurements
The measure of an entity of behaviour that, within an allowed margin of error, is consistent across instruments and observers
Variable
Refers to the object, concept, or event that is being measured Behavioural measures Magnetic resonance measuring (MRI) Blood or saliva samples Self reporting
Operational definitions
Statements that describes that procedures (or operations) and/or specific measures that are used to record observations
Reliability
When a measure provides consistent and stable answers across multiple observations and points in time
test -retest reliability
Alternate-forms reliability
Inter-rater reliability
Validity
The degree to which an instrument or procedure actually measures what is claims to measure
Generalizability
Refers to the degree to which one set of results can be applied to other situations, individuals, or events
- study large groups
Sample types
Random sample, and convenience sample
Random sample
every individual of a population has an equal chance of being included
Convenience sample
samples of individuals who are the most readily available
Location of study
laboratory vs naturalistic research
Ecological validity
the degree to which the results of a laboratory study can be applied to or repeated in the natural environment
Sources of bias in psych research
Hawthorne effect, demand characteristics, social desirability responding, observe expectancy effect, and placebo effect
Hawthorne effect
a term used to describe situations in which behaviour changes as a result of being observed
Demand characteristics
inadvertent cues given off by the experimenter or the experimental context that provide information about how participants are expected to behave
Social desirability responding
research participants respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favourably
Observer expectancy effect
researchers expectations influence subjects behaviour
Placebo effect
a measurable and experienced improvement in health or behaviour that cannot be attributable to a medication or treatment
Techniques that reduce bias
anonymity, confidentiality, inform participants, single-blind study, and double-blind study
Anonymity
each individual’s response are recorded without any name or other personal information that could link a particular individual to specific results
Confidentiality
means the results will only be seen by the researcher
Inform participants
reduces participants anxiety and social desirability bias
Single-blind study
the participants do not know the true purpose of the study, or else do not know which type of treatment they are receiving
Double-blind study
a study in which neither the participant nor the experimenter knows the exact treatment for any individual