Week 2 Flashcards
Why are research methods important in psychology?
They improve the ability to think critically about research.
Critical thinking helps in evaluating the validity and reliability of research findings.
What are the characteristics of scientific psychological research?
They include:
* Description
* Prediction
* Explanation / understanding
These characteristics help in systematically studying behavior and mental processes.
Fill in the blank: One characteristic of scientific psychological research is _______.
[Description]
Fill in the blank: Another characteristic of scientific psychological research is _______.
[Prediction]
Fill in the blank: A characteristic of scientific psychological research focused on clarifying phenomena is _______.
[Explanation / understanding]
What are the steps in conducting an experiment?
1) Theory
2) Hypothesis
3) Test
4) Evidence
5) Conclusion
These steps outline the scientific method for conducting experiments.
What are the descriptive research methods?
• Case studies
• Naturalistic observation
• Survey research
These methods are used to gather detailed information about a specific subject or phenomenon.
What are the techniques used in descriptive research?
• Case studies
• Naturalistic observation
• Survey research
These techniques help in collecting qualitative and quantitative data.
What type of studies are used for predicting behavior?
• Correlational studies
• Associations using correlations
These studies examine the relationship between two or more variables.
True or False: Correlational studies can establish cause-and-effect relationships.
False
Correlational studies can only indicate relationships, not causation.
Fill in the blank: The basic premise of _______ research is to determine the relationship between variables.
[correlation]
Correlation research focuses on how variables are related to one another.
What is used when variables cannot be manipulated?
Correlation
Correlation indicates the relationship between two variables.
What indicates the strength and direction of an association between two variables?
Correlation
Examples include strong positive or negative correlations.
List the ethical guidelines for the conduct of psychological research as per the Australian Psychological Society.
- Informed consent
- Maintain participant welfare
- Voluntary participation
- Ensure confidentiality
- Avoid deception
- Fair and humane treatment of animals and people
- Gain appropriate ethics approval
These guidelines are outlined in Code 8 - Ethics (Australian Psychological Society, 2001).
Fill in the blank: _______ is required to ensure participants understand the research they are part of.
[Informed consent]
True or False: Confidentiality is not a concern in psychological research.
False
Ensuring confidentiality is a key ethical guideline.
What does voluntary participation ensure in psychological research?
Participants choose to take part without coercion
This respects the autonomy of the participants.
What is the significance of gaining appropriate ethics approval in psychological research?
Ensures research adheres to ethical standards
It is a critical step before conducting research.
Fill in the blank: Ethical guidelines aim to avoid _______ in psychological research.
[Deception]
What is meant by maintaining participant welfare in psychological research?
Ensuring the safety and well-being of participants
This is essential for ethical research practices.
What does fair and humane treatment of animals and people entail in psychological research?
Respect and care for the rights and welfare of all subjects
This applies to both human participants and animal subjects.
