Week 2- Methods and statistics

Question 1

Explain the difference between an experiment and a correlation study (utility, advantages, disadvantages)

Answer 1

Naturalistic observations: observation in a natural environment
Clinical observations: observation while undergoing treatment/diagnosis for psychological condition
Correlation study: relationship between at least 2 measurements of behaviors (cant determine causation)
Experiment: research alters independent variable and observes if it affects dependent variable (can determine causation)

Question 2

Step 1 of scientific method (3 parts)

Answer 2

Identify the problem:
-formulate cause and effect relationship
-create hypothesis
Theory: statements designed to explain set f phenomena that summarizes group of hypothesis

Question 3

Step 2 of scientific method (6 parts)

Answer 3

Design Experiment:
-independent variable: manipulated by experiment (x)
-dependent variable: measured data (y)
-operational definition: measurable definition
-validity: how appropriate a construct is in testing hypothesis
-confounding variable: accidental manipulation of more than one variable
-counterbalancing variable: varying the conditions of experiment to avoid confounding, habituation, fatigue
Control group: Not effected by independent variable (placebo group)
Experimental group: Group of participants exposed to a particular value of independent variable (one group=5 pills, one group= 2 pills, and one control group)

Question 4

Step 3 in scientific method (4 parts)

Answer 4

Perform Experiment:

• reliability: likeliness of measurement being repeatable and the same results found every time
• random assignment: each individual has equal chance of being assigned to any group (condition)
• single-blind experiment: researcher aware of independent variable (participant is not)
• double blind: neither researcher nor participant is aware of independent variable

Question 5

Step 4 of scientific method (1 part)

Answer 5

Evaluate hypothesis:

-Generalization: conclusion that results are obtained from a sample can also apply to population

Question 6

Step 5 of scientific method (1 part)

Answer 6

Communicate results

Question 7

Summarize the ethical issues involved in psychological research

Answer 7

• ensure safety of participants
• benefits outweigh risks
• consent is obtained
• lack of coercion
• privacy
• debriefing

Question 8

Distinguish between the 2 main types of design and the conclusions that we can draw from each

Answer 8

Validity: Procedure actually measures what it perceives to measure
Reliability: Provides consistent answers across multiple observations and points in time
conclusions: we can use it to determine our hypothesis through a population

Question 9

Explain the use of descriptive statistics and measures of association/ inferential statisctics

Answer 9

Descriptive statistics: Summarizes data ex. mean, median, mode (measures of central tendency)

• measures of variability: range, std. dev, variance
• measures of relations: correlation coefficient, scatter plot
• measures of association: relationship between 2 measured quantities (related to correlation)
• inferential statistics: whether or not results are statistically significant (5% or less variance)

Question 10

Utilize methods and processes used in inferential statistics, including correlation and causation

Answer 10

Inferential statistics: used to determine what data means

• test reliability of data
• infer and apply results from sample to larger population
• correlations: determine nature of relationship between 2 variables
• causation: action of causing something

Question 11

Explain the definition and use of measures of central tendency and measures of variability and measures of rellations

Answer 11

Central tendencies: mean (average), median (middle), mode (most frequent #)
Measures of relations: correlation coeffeicent, scatter plot, positive/negative correlation
Measures of variability: range (difference between highest and lowest score), std. dev. (how scores in a data set differ from mean)

Question 12

Apply knowledge of psychological research, critical thinking, and research design to critically evaluate psychological claims in the popular media (ask questions like)

Answer 12

• need to analyze reliability, variability, and generalization of information presented
• ask q’s like: does study produce same results every time, is it measuring what it is intended to, are the results true across population (if repeated with many different samples, same outcome?)