Unit. 2: The Research Enterprise in Psychology

Question 1

Goals of the Scientific Enterprise

Answer 1

1. Measure & Describe
2. Understand & Predict
3. Apply & Control

Question 2

Steps in a Scientific Investigation

Answer 2

1. Formulate a testable hypothesis
2. Select the method and design the study
3. Collect the data
4. Analyze the data and draw a conclusion
5. Report your findings

Question 3

Advantages of the Scientific Approach

Answer 3

• Clarity & precision yield better communication
• Intolerance of error yields more reliable data (clear test/data leave little to no room for error when drawing conclusions)

Question 4

Quantitative Research

Answer 4

Measuring variables using a numerical system

Question 5

Qualitative Research

Answer 5

research that provides descriptive data, such as observing behaviour

Question 6

Experimental Research

Answer 6

A research study where the investigator manipulates a controlled variable seeing how/if it affects a second variable.
-Cause & Effect Relationship

Question 7

Descriptive Correlation Research

Answer 7

• In matter of running into ethical issues where the a variable can not be manipulated this research method allows more broad spectrum of research in psychology.
• Methods include: Surveys, Case studies, Naturalistic observation

Question 8

Independent Variable (X)

Answer 8

Conditions or events MANIPULATED by the experimenter, to have affect on dependent behaviour

Question 9

Extraneous Variables

Answer 9

Factors besides the independent variable that may affect behaviour of dependent variable

Question 10

Experimental Group V.S. Control Group

Answer 10

Experimental groups: subjects in a study that receive special treatment
Control groups: subjects in a study that do not receive any special treatment

Question 11

Advantages & Disadvantages of Experimental Research

Answer 11

Advantages: Strong (cause & effect) evidence
Disadvantages: artificial and ethical issues arise

Question 12

Dependent Variable (Y)

Answer 12

Aspects of behaviour thought to be affected by independent variable

Question 13

Naturalistic Observations

Answer 13

Careful systematic observation, no intervention with subjects

Question 14

Case Study

Answer 14

In-depth investigation of single participants, typically deriving data from multiple sources

Question 15

Survey

Answer 15

Questionnaires and interviews used to gather information about specific aspects of participants behaviour

Question 16

Advantages & Disadvantages of Descriptive/Correlation Research

Answer 16

+broadens the scope of researchable data psychologist can study
-can not demonstrate cause and effect relationships

Question 17

Positive V.S. Negative Correlation

Answer 17

(+) Variables are going the same direction

(-)Variables are going opposite directions

Question 18

Positive V.S. Negative Correlation

Answer 18

Determines the direction of the correlation, not the strength
(+) Variables are going the same direction
(-)Variables are going opposite directions

Question 19

Correlation Coefficient

Answer 19

Numerical index of the degree of relationship between two variables

Question 20

Correlation Strength

Answer 20

The closer to correlation to either -1.00 or +1.00 the stronger the relationship.
(+/-, determine the direction)

Question 21

Sampling Bias

Answer 21

When a sample is not representative of the population it is testing

Question 22

Placebo Effects

Answer 22

participants/subjects expectations lead them to a experience change even when given empty/fake treatment

Question 23

Distortions in Self-Report data

Answer 23

When giving verbal accounts on ones own behaviour social desirability bias and other influences may sway results

Question 24

Experimenter Bias

Answer 24

Research/experimenters expectations influence the outcome of a study

Question 25

Issues when collecting data from Internet

Answer 25

-The internet provides us with a large diverse samples this saving time and money. However, many of the information can not be inferred without question as many flaws such as sampling bias occur in uncontrolled conditions.

Question 26

Ethical Guidelines for Research in Psychology in Canada

Answer 26

Principle 1. Respect for the dignity of the persons
Principle 2. Responsible Caring
Principle 3. Integrity in Relationships
Principle 4. Responsibility to Society

Question 27

Operational definition

Answer 27

• -Defining a concept in terms of how you will measure the concept. (How you measure)
• anxiety levels can be measured by a test a score

Question 28

Replication

Answer 28

the repetition of an an original experiment to verify/support its results

Question 29

Double Blind-procedure

Answer 29

A research strategy in which neither subjects nor experimenters know which subject are the control/experimental group

Question 30

Anecdotal Evidence

Answer 30

personal stories about specific incidents and experiences, only one perspective of a confounding idea.

Question 31

Central Tendency 3 M’s

Answer 31

Mean-avg. of scores
Median-the score directly in the middle
Mode-most frequent score