Unit 2 Scientific Method Flashcards
The variable researchers measure (to determine if there is an effect) is called the:
Independant Vaiable
Dan wants to research the impact of studying patterns on grades. He predicts that the amount of hours a student studies will effect their grades; more specifically, he predicts students who study over multiple days a week will earn higher grades than students who just cram the night before an exam. What is Dan’s dependent variable?
Grades
Which step in the scientific method addresses the plan to gather data, who can participate, how the researchers will interact with the subjects, etc.?
Methodology
If a researcher successfully removes confounding variable and actually measures what they claim to be measuring, their research will be:
Valid
If a researcher replicates their research and repeatedly gets the same results, it establishes:
Validity and Reliability
If the research design features a hypothesis with an independent variable, dependent variable (and no confounding variables), a control group and experimental group, non-random sample, and the subjects (only) are “blind”, which research design is this?
Quasi-Experimental Design
Who conducted the Obedience Study?
Stanley Milgram
What was the dependent variable in Hoflings experiment?
Compliance (or Non-Compliance)
Which descriptive research method identifies people’s preferences, views, opinions, etc.?
Survey
Researchers have discovered that as students increase their study efforts, their grades also increase at a similar rate (likewise as students decrease their study efforts, their grades also decrease at a similar rate). This is an example of a:
Positive Correlation
_____ are your views of beliefs about what is right vs wrong whereas ______ is your behavioral manifestation that reflect those views.
Moral, ethics
Which of the following strategies have been used to teach humans right from wrong?
-parents teach their children
-churches teach their community
-societies make laws
Which historical figure was committing horribly immoral and unethical acts which caused the world the established the Nuremberg Code?
Adolf Hitler
Researchers have a responsibility to debrief their particiants. This means:
To inform them of the true purpose of the research after it’s over
What is an example of a current code of conduct modern businesses require of customers
-Must wear a shirt
-Must wear a mask
-Must wear shoes
True or false: People in our society ignore many ethical codes (ex speed limits etc)
True
Which construct of the Psyche did Freud say caused people to behave selfishly
Id
True or False: Ethical codes prevent all unethical research
False
Which statement is NOT true regarding Tuskegee syphilis study?
When a cure was found they ended the study (they did not)
Which president finally acknowledged how unethical the Tuskegee study had been and made a formal apology 20 years after it ended?
Bill Clinton
List the steps in the Scientific Method
1) Form Hypothesis
2) Design Methodology
3) Collect & Analyze Data
4) Conclude & Submit/Publish
Define Hypothesis
A Testable prediction of a relationship between Variables
Define Independant Variable (IV)
The causal variable; the variable given to subjects to see cause and effect
Define Dependant Variable (DV)
The outcome variable; the variable you are measuring to see if the IV had an effect on
Define Confounding Variable (CV)
Variable(s) that could effect the outcome other than the IV
Define Operational Definition (OD)
Specific definitions of the variables in an experiment
Give an example of having different conditions under which a researcher is looking at their IV
EX: You can have multiple experimental groups getting slightly different versions of the IV. Such as the amount of studying effects; EG1 studies 3hrs/wk, EG2 studies 5hrs/wk
What is research methodology??
Your plan/proposal that outlines how you will test your hypothesis
List five components of a methodology
1) Recruitment
2) Mild Deception
3) Research Design
4) Validity measures
5) Ethical Considerations
Briefly explain Recruitment.
Determining how to get research subjects and who can participate (random sampling=anyone can be a subject vs. non-random sampling=only select people)
Briefly explain Research designs
Selecting a research design based on your hypothesis and subjects.
Breifly explain Validity measures
Taking steps to ensure all confounding variables have been addressed and that data will be accurate
Breifly explain Ethical considerations
Processing worst-case scenario to avoid harming subjects and getting review committees approval
What helps data collection be more valid?
-Ensure same experimental conditions for every subject
-The larger the subject group or data set the better
Which branch of Math or type of analysis do psychologists normally use to determine if there is a significant cause-and-effect relationship between variables?
Statistics
Why is data that doesn’t support the hypothesis important?
It rules things out and narrows research; its informative and beneficial.
What must research conclusions be based on?
Data
Define Validity
Accurate results
Define Reliability
Consistent results
Define Generalizability
Application potential
How can you establish reliability of your data?
Replication: repeat experiment multiple times and see consistent results
Why is it important to submit your research for review?
This allows experts in the field to criticize the research
Why is it important to submit your research for publication?
Publications allows others to benefit from the discoveries of the research.
List 5 components of the Classical Reasearch design
1) Hypothesis with IV, DV, and methodology to control CV
2) Has an experimental group (gets IV) and Control group (gets placebo)
3) Uses Random Sampling (high generalizability)
4) Subjects only are “Blind”, Can be done anywhere
5) Isolates cause-and-effect relationship (Validity and reliability measures taken)
List 5 components of the Field Experiment design
1) Hypothesis with IV, DV, and methodology to control CV
2) Has an experimental group (gets IV) and Control group (gets placebo)
3) Uses RANDOM SAMPLING or NON-RANDOM SAMPLING
4) Subjects only are “Blind” AND MUST BE DONE IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF SUBJECTS
5) Isolates cause-and-effect relationship (Validity and reliability measures taken)
List 5 components of the Quasi-Experimental Design
1) Hypothesis with IV, DV, and methodology to control CV
2) Has an experimental group (gets IV) and Control group (gets placebo)
3) Uses NON-Random Sampling (Low generalizability)
4) Subjects only are “Blind” Can be done anywhere
5) Isolates cause-and-effect relationship (Validity and reliability measures taken)
List 5 components of the Laboratory Experimental design
1) Hypothesis with IV, DV, and methodology to control CV
2) Has an experimental group (gets IV) and Control group (gets placebo)
3) Uses Random Sampling or non-Random Sampling
4) Subjects only are “Blind”, MUST BE DONE IN SIMULATED ENVIRONMENT
5) Isolates cause-and-effect relationship (Validity and reliability measures taken)
List 5 components of the Double-Blind Experimental Design
1) Hypothesis with IV, DV, and methodology to control CV
2) Has an experimental group (gets IV) and Control group (gets placebo)
3) Uses Random Sampling (high generalizability)
4) Subjects AND ASSISTANTS are “Blind”
5) Isolates cause-and-effect relationship (Validity and reliability measures taken)
Who conducted the Obedience Study?
Stanley Milgram
Why did Stanley Milgram decide to research obediance?
His family survived the Holocaust, and he didn’t believe anyone would blindly follow orders to harm someone.
Briefly decribe the components the Obediance Study
-Hypothesis: Most people will not obey an authority figure if ordered to harm someone
-IV: Order to harm
-DV: Obedience/disobedience
-Methodology: Ask anyone to play role of teacher and shock “students”. No “students” actually harmed.
-Research Design: Classic Design
-Conclusion: Hypothesis wrong, people obey
-Ethical concerns: Subject emotionally traumatized
Define Debriefing
Informing subject of true nature of the research after data collected
Define Desensitizing
Returning subjects to the same state of health (mental and physical) they were in prior to research
Who conducted the Compliance Study?
Charles Hofling
Breifly describe the components of the Compliance Study
-Hypothesis: Nurses will comply with Doctor’s orders even if poses danger to patients
-IV: Doctor’s order to overdose
-DV: Compliance/non-compliance
-Methodology: Call Hospitals and order Nurse to overdose patient (medication was placebo)
-Research Design: Field Experiment
-Conclusion: Hypothesis correct, Nurses Complied
-Ethical Concerns: Emotional health of subjects
Who conducted the Prison Study?
Philip Zimbardo
Briefly describe the components of the Prison Study
-Hypothesis: Given a role, humans wil behave according to role rather than personal morals/ethics
-IV: The role (Prisoners/guards)
-DV: Role-specific behavior (not seen before)
-Methodology: Recruited male subjects through psychological tests to determine mental health (non-violent predisposition) then assigned rles of guard or prisoner for a simulated prison for 2 weeks
-Research Design: Laboratory Experiment (Quasi-Laboratory experiment)
-Conclusion: Correct
-Ethical concerns: Physical/mental abuse, denied right to discontinue
Describe the components of a Quasi-Experimental design
1) Hypothesis with IV, DV, and methodology to control CV
2) Has an experimental group (gets IV) and Control group (gets placebo)
3) Uses Non-Random Sampling (low generalizability)
4) Subjects only are “Blind”
5) Isolates cause-and-effect relationship (Validity and reliability measures taken)
Describe a Double-Blind Experimental Design
1) Hypothesis with IV, DV, and methodology to control CV
2) Has an experimental group (gets IV) and Control group (gets placebo)
3) Uses Random or No-Random Sampling
4) Subjects and Assistant are “Blind”
5) Isolates cause-and-effect relationship (Validity and reliability measures taken)
List three Descriptive Research Designs
1) Case Study
2) Naturalistic Observation
3) Survey
Briefly explain a Case Study In General
A deep investigation into a subject’s life (such as serial killer profiles)
Briefly explain Naturalistic Observation in general
Covertly observing subjects in natural habitat (such as Jane Goodall’s study of Chimpanzees in the wild)
Briefly explain a Survey in general
Asking people ‘s opinion on a topic, often anonymously. (Such as pre-voting polls)
List three kinds of correlation research designs
1) Positive Correlation
2) Negative Correlation
3) Zero Correlation
Briefly explain positive correlation
Both variables moving together (up or down) Ex: increased studying and increase grades, decreased studying and decreased grades
Briefly explain Negative Correlation
Variables move apart/away from each other. Ex: Increase alcohol and decrease grades.
Briefly explain Zero Correlation
No relationship between variables at all. Ex: Shoe size and IQ score
Which case study was covered in Lecture?
Jeffrey Dahmer
List two discoveries from Jeffrey Dahmer’s case study
1) Fascination with internal organs of animals
2) Started drinking heavily before killing anyone
(both common in serial killers)
What can conducting a series of case studies (of a cohort of people) establish?
A pattern of common traits
Which Naturalistic Observation research was discussed in lecture?
Jane Goodall’s Chimpanzee study in the wild
What are 2 discoveries of Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research?
1) Chimps have a wide range of emotions
2) Chimps have different vocalizations to communicate
Which famous survey-based research was discussed in lecture?
Alfred Kinsey’s Sexual Behavior Survey
Why is it important to update survey data?
culturally accurate data changes over time
Define Morals
Mental processing of what is right and wrong
Define Ethics
Code of Conduct; actions representing belief of right/wrong
Identify one way we learn morals and ethics
Parents
Does everyone in society agree on what is right or wrong?
No
What do societies establish to guide citizens toward ethical behavior?
Laws
Did Hitler believe his actions toward Jews during the Holocaust was wrong?
No
List one way Racism is still a problem today?
Black citizens shot and killed by police before given a chance in court
Where did the Nazi’s face trial?
Nuremburg (Germany)
Give an example of something Nazi’s did to Jewish citizens
Medical experiments
Why were Nuremburg Codes established?
As a guide for researchers using human subjects to prevent future unethical research
What was the outcome of the Nuremburg Trials?
Nazi’s found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death.
List 5 terms of the APA Code:
1) Informed/voluntary consent
2) Confidentiality
3) Right to Withdraw
4) Debrief
5) Desensitize
Explain Informed/Voluntary consent
Subjects can choose to sign a legal document that outlines the potential risks of agreeing to participate in research. Consent must be gained to precede
Explain Confidentiality
A promise to protect the identity of subjects who choose to participate
Explain the Right to Withdraw
Subjects can change their mind and quit at any point of the research
Explain Debriefing
Telling subjects of the true nature of the research after data collected (undoing the mild deception)
Explain Desensitize
Returning Subjects to their original state of mental and physical health prior to the research
List 1 Code of Conduct a business may require of its workers or patrons
-Shirt
-Shoes
-Mask
Give two examples of people doing something unethical in our society and why it’s a problem
1) Taking masks off when entering a building- can spread disease
2) Drinking and Driving- causing an accident
Which construct of the psyche would Freud say caused you to do something immoral or unethical?
The Id (the selfish part of you)
Can ethical codes prevent unethical research?
No
Is unethical research being done today?
Yes
Who conducted the research of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study?
The U.S. Department of Health
What was the purpose of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study?
To gather information about the course of untreated Syphilis
Which citizens were recruited for the Tuskegee Syphilis Study?
African-American males (only)
What was the mild deception used for the Tuskegee Syphilis Study?
Promised free medical treatment
What did the data from the Tuskegee Syphilis Study show?
Untreated Syphilis causes degeneration of the body, and ultimately death
Why did the Tuskegee Syphilis Study continue after the APA Code was established?
They said the study started prior to APA Codes so it didn’t apply to them (grandfathered in)
Did the U.S. Government inject subjects with Syphilis?
No evidence has been found
When the Tuskegee Syphilis Study started there was no cure, what was injected as “treatment”?
Placebo
What medicine was discovered to cure Syphilis?
Penicillin
Were subjects of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study given the cure?
No
What was the rational for not giving subjects of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study the cure?
Study was still collecting data
What caused the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to end after 40 years?
A Jounalist Blew the whistle and it made headlines across the US
List 5 ethical violations the Tuskegee Syphilis Study violated
1) No informed consent
2) No Confidentiality
3) No right to withdraw
4) No protection of subjects
5) No desensitization
Did the US government acknowledge what the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment was wrong when it ended?
No
Which US president finally acknowledged the Tuskegee Syphilis study was unethical?
Bill Clinton
List 2 things Bill Clinton did to make amends for the Tuskegee Syphilis Study?
1) Paid families $10,000 per deceased subject
2) Public apology and memorial building with names of all subjects
Briefly explain the SUPPORT (surfactant, positive pressure, and Oxygenation Randomized Trials) Study
Various Hospitals and Insurance companies agree to study percentage of oxygen premature infants needed to cut costs and get them out of the hospital faster. Preemies were randomly put on low-level, medium level, high-level oxygen. 20% of infants died.
What was the potential benefit of the SUPPORT Study?
To save hospitals and insurance companies money and free up hospital beds
How did the SUPPORT Study recruit subjects?
Doctors gave parents informed consent, without explanation and recommended they participate in the study
Why did parents consent for their premature infants to be subjects of the SUPPORT Study and sign consent forms?
They didn’t read it and trusted the doctor’s recommendation.
Briefly explain Facebooks “Emotion Contagion” Experiment
-Hypothesis: Social media sites can affect the emotional state of users and cause a contagion effect
-Methodology: Randomly posting negative stories on users timelines and tracking response and if it spread to other users.
- Conclusion: Correct
Define Voluntary Consent
Getting people to agree to be subjects in research rather than forcing them against their will
Define Informed Consent
Informing people of the risks involved prior to asking them to consent to participate in research
