2.1 - Principles of Scientific Research

Question 1

Objectivity

Answer 1

certain facts about the world can be observed and tested independently from individual who describes them

Question 2

Subjectivity

Answer 2

their knowledge of the event is shaped by prior beliefs, expectations, exp., and even their mood

Question 3

Quality Scientific Research meets the following Criteria :

Answer 3

1) based on measurements that are OBJECTIVE, valid, and reliable
2) can be GENERALIZED
3) uses techniques that REDUCE BIAS
4) is made PUBLIC
5) can be REPLICATED

Question 4

Objective Measurements

Answer 4

measure of a behaviour that, within an allowed margin of error, is consistent across observers

• quality of behaviour measured must be same regardless of who is doing the measuring and the tools they use

Question 5

Variable

Answer 5

object, concept, or event being measured

Question 6

Operational Definitions

Answer 6

statements that describe the procedures (or operations) and specific measures that are used to record observations

Question 7

Spatial Reasoning

Answer 7

ability to look at objects and mentally manipulate them

Question 8

Validity

Answer 8

degree to which an instrument or procedure actually measures what it claims to measure

Question 9

Reliabiloty

Answer 9

when it provides consistent and stable answers across multiple observations and points in time

Question 10

Different types of reliability that affect psychological research :

Answer 10

Test-retest = examines whether scores on a given measure of behaviour are consistent across test sessions

Alternate-forms = examines whether different forms of the same test produce the same results

Inter-rater = having more than one rater, raters agree on the measurements that were taken

Question 11

Generalizability

Answer 11

degree to which one set of results can be applied to other situations, individuals, or events

Question 12

Population

Answer 12

group that researchers want to generalize

Question 13

Sample

Answer 13

a select group of population members

Question 14

Random Sample

Answer 14

sampling technique in which every individual of a population has an equal chance of being included

Question 15

Convenience Samples

Answer 15

samples of individuals who are the most readily available

Question 16

Ecological Validity

Answer 16

results of a lab study can be applied to or repeated in the natural environment

Question 17

Researcher Bias

Answer 17

treat participants in diff. experimental conditions differently

Question 18

Subject/ Participant Bias

Answer 18

participant trying to figure out what the experimenters are testing and trying to predict the responses that the researchers are hoping to find

Question 19

Hawthrone Effect

Answer 19

behaviour change that occurs as a result of being observed

Question 20

Demand Characteristics

Answer 20

inadvertent cues given off by the experimenter or the experimental context that provide info. about how participants are expected to behave

*can affect participant performance and judgement

Question 21

Social Desirability

Answer 21

research participants respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favorbly

*researcher and subject bias

Question 22

Another Source of Bias

Answer 22

participants’ expectations of the effects of the treatment or manipulation (placebo effect)

Question 23

Placebo Effect

Answer 23

a fake treatment can sometimes improve a patient’s condition simply because the person has the expectation that it will be helpful.

Question 24

Anonymity

Answer 24

each individual’s responses are recorded w/o any name or info that could link a particular individual to specific results

*ensures honest responses from participants, more likely to provide info. on sensitive issues

Question 25

Confidentiality

Answer 25

results will only be seen by the researcher

*ensures honest responses from participants, more likely to provide info. on sensitive issues

Question 26

Single-Blind Study

Answer 26

the participants do not know the true purpose of the study, or do not know which type of treatment they are receiving (ex. placebo drug)

Question 27

Double-Blind Study

Answer 27

a study in which neither the participant nor the experimenter knows the exact treatment for any individual

• help of assistant to carry out observations or researcher not told about who is receiving what type of treatment
• keeping results blind allows research to remain objective

Question 28

Academic Journals

Answer 28

psychology’s primary mode of communication

Question 29

Peer Review

Answer 29

process which papers submitted for publication in scholarly journals are read and critiqued by experts in specific fields of study

Question 30

Replication

Answer 30

process of repeating a study and finding a similar outcome each time

*published research study can become obsolete if it cannot be replicated

Question 31

Peer Review and Replication are ______ measures.

Answer 31

self-corrective measures for all disciplines

*ensures results did not occur through carelessness, dishonesty, or coincidence

Question 32

5 Varieties of Poor Evidence :

Answer 32

1) untestable hypotheses
2) anecdotes
3) a biased selection of available data
4) appeals to authority
5) appeals to common sense

Question 33

Falsifiable

Answer 33

the hypothesis is precise enough that it could be proven false

Question 34

Anecdotal Evidence

Answer 34

an individual’s story or testimony about an observation or event that is used to make a claim as evidence

Question 35

Data Selection Bias

Answer 35

scientific claim is backed up w/ published data but individuals might present only the data that supports their views

Question 36

Appeal to Authority

Answer 36

belief in an “expert’s” claim even when no supporting data or scientific evidence is present

Question 37

Appeal to Common Sense

Answer 37

a claim that appears to be sound, but lacks supporting scientific evidence