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PSYC121 - WEEK 1 > 2.3 Analyzing Findings > Flashcards

2.3 Analyzing Findings Flashcards

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1
Q

What does a correlation coefficient tell us?

A

It indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between variables.

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2
Q

True or False: Correlation indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

A

False

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3
Q

What is the tendency to look for relationships that do not exist?

A

Illusory correlation

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4
Q

What is the purpose of random sampling in experiments?

A

To ensure that every individual has an equal chance of being selected for the study.

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5
Q

Fill in the blank: The two types of groups in an experiment are the _______ group and the control group.

A

experimental

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6
Q

What could affect the results of an experiment due to bias?

A

Experimenter or participant bias

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7
Q

Define independent variable.

A

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

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8
Q

Define dependent variable.

A

The variable that is measured in response to the independent variable.

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9
Q

What does a correlation coefficient of 0 indicate?

A

No relationship between the variables.

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10
Q

What does a positive correlation mean?

A

As one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

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11
Q

What does a negative correlation mean?

A

As one variable increases, the other variable decreases.

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12
Q

Provide an example of a positive correlation.

A

The relationship between height and weight.

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13
Q

Provide an example of a negative correlation.

A

The relationship between tiredness and hours of sleep.

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14
Q

What is a confounding variable?

A

A variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables.

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15
Q

What is the limitation of correlational research?

A

It cannot establish causality.

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16
Q

What is an experimental hypothesis?

A

A specific prediction that can be tested through an experiment.

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17
Q

What is the role of the control group in an experiment?

A

To serve as a baseline to compare against the experimental group.

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18
Q

What is operationalization in research?

A

Defining how variables will be measured in an experiment.

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19
Q

What is a single-blind study?

A

A study where participants are unaware of their group assignment.

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20
Q

What is a double-blind study?

A

A study where both participants and researchers are unaware of group assignments.

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21
Q

What is the placebo effect?

A

When a participant’s expectations influence their experience in a study.

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22
Q

What can lead to illusory correlations?

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A

Confirmation bias and limited information.

23
Q

What did a meta-analysis of nearly 40 studies reveal about the moon and human behavior?

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A

No significant relationship exists between the moon’s phases and human behavior.

24
Q

What is the significance of scatterplots in correlational research?

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A

They visually represent the strength and direction of correlations.

25
What is the placebo effect?
The placebo effect occurs when people's expectations or beliefs influence or determine their experience in a given situation.
26
How is the placebo effect commonly tested in medication studies?
By using an experimental group that receives the medication and a control group that receives a placebo.
27
What is the purpose of a placebo in a medication study?
To ensure that any effects on mood are due to the drug and not due to participant expectations.
28
What are independent and dependent variables?
Independent variables are manipulated by the experimenter; dependent variables are measured to see the effect of the independent variable.
29
What is an independent variable?
An independent variable is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter.
30
What is a dependent variable?
A dependent variable is what the researcher measures to see how much effect the independent variable had.
31
What is a random sample?
A subset of a larger population in which every member has an equal chance of being selected.
32
Why are random samples preferred in research?
They ensure that the sample is representative of the larger population.
33
What is random assignment in experimental research?
A process where all participants have an equal chance of being assigned to either the experimental or control group.
34
Why is random assignment important?
It helps ensure that there are no systematic differences between the experimental and control groups.
35
What is a quasi-experimental research approach?
A research approach where the independent variable cannot be manipulated directly.
36
What ethical constraints may limit experiments?
Experiments cannot involve manipulating variables that would cause harm or unethical situations.
37
What is statistical analysis in the context of experimental findings?
A method to determine how likely it is that any differences found are due to chance.
38
What is considered a statistically significant difference?
A difference with less than a five percent chance of occurring by chance.
39
What is the primary strength of experiments?
The ability to assert that significant differences are caused by the independent variable.
40
What is peer review?
A process where other scientists evaluate a research article for quality and validity before publication.
41
What does peer review help ensure in psychological research?
Quality control and the ability to replicate studies.
42
What is a major concern related to replication in scientific research?
The replication crisis, where many studies fail to be replicated by others.
43
What is reliability in psychological research?
The ability to consistently produce a given result.
44
What are the types of reliability?
* Inter-rater reliability * Internal consistency * Test-retest reliability
45
What is validity in the context of data collection?
The extent to which an instrument accurately measures what it is supposed to measure.
46
Fill in the blank: The independent variable is the variable that is _______.
[manipulated or controlled by the experimenter]
47
Fill in the blank: A _______ sample is preferred because it reflects the larger population.
[random]
48
What is the definition of validity in measurement?
Validity refers to the extent to which a given instrument or tool accurately measures what it’s supposed to measure. ## Footnote Validity is crucial for ensuring that the results obtained from measurements are meaningful and applicable.
49
What is an example of a situation where a measurement tool might be reliable but not valid?
A kitchen scale that is not properly calibrated may produce consistent readings but measure inaccurately. ## Footnote This means that while it can reliably provide the same weight for the same amount of cereal, the weight itself may be incorrect.
50
What is ecological validity?
Ecological validity is the degree to which research results generalize to real-world applications. ## Footnote This type of validity is important for ensuring that findings are applicable outside of the experimental setting.
51
What is construct validity?
Construct validity is the degree to which a given variable actually captures or measures what it is intended to measure. ## Footnote It assesses whether the operational definition of a variable aligns with the theoretical concept it is supposed to represent.
52
What is face validity?
Face validity is the degree to which a given variable seems valid on the surface. ## Footnote This is a subjective assessment that can vary based on the perceptions of those evaluating the measure.
53
True or False: Any valid measure is necessarily reliable.
True. ## Footnote However, the reverse is not necessarily true; a reliable measure may not be valid.
54
Researchers strive to use instruments that are both _______ and _______.
[reliable], [valid] ## Footnote Combining both reliability and validity is essential for robust research outcomes.

PSYC121 - WEEK 1 (3 decks)

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