Week Two

Question 1

the scientific method combines

Answer 1

○ Authority
○ Intuition
○ Rationality
○ Empiricism

Question 2

scientific method definition

Answer 2

The scientific method is the development of theories which have explanatory and predictive capacity and which must be testable and refutable

Question 3

pattern of the scientific method

Answer 3

observations- initial formulation of theory- predictions - testing predictions using the research process- prediction refuted/confirmed- theory accurate/inaccurate.

Question 4

what makes a ‘good’ theory

Answer 4

• We should aim to develop theories that:
  ○ Describe
  § Portray the phenomenon accurately
  ○ Explain
  § Identify the cause(s) of the phenomenon.
  ○ Predict
  § Identifying risk factors of a phenomenon can help you predict when it might happen.

Question 5

quantitative

Answer 5

collect numerical data

Question 6

qualitative

Answer 6

collect non-numerical data

Question 7

mixed methods

Answer 7

§ Quantitative data provides an incomplete analysis of what is being investigated.
§ Qualitative data adds additional level of understanding.

Question 8

variable

Answer 8

• varies

- takes on different values of categories

Question 9

categorical

Answer 9

• Categorical variables
  ○ Varies by type or kind e.g. gender, religion etc.
  ○ Nominal measurement

Question 10

continuous

Answer 10

• Continuous variables
  ○ Varies by degree or amount e.g. reaction time, height etc.
  ○ Interval or ratio measure

Question 11

dependent variable

Answer 11

○ The presumed effect or outcome of the study

Variable that is measured by the researcher and influences by the IV.

Question 12

independent variable

Answer 12

○ The variable that is manipulated.

Question 13

extraneous variable

Answer 13

• Variables that may be impacting the DV that are not the IV.
  
  • Variable/s that compete with the IV in explaining the outcome.
  • Sometimes also called nuisance variables.
    All confounds are extraneous variables but not all extraneous variables are confounds.

Question 14

confounding variable

Answer 14

• An extraneous variable that is allowed to co-vary along with the levels of the IV.

Question 15

mediating variable/ intervening variable

Answer 15

• Occurs between two other variables in a causal chain

- E.g. anxiety causes distraction (mediating variable) which affects memory.

Question 16

moderating variable

Answer 16

• Qualify a causal relationship as dependent on another variable.
  
  • E.g. the impact of anxiety on memory is different for men and women (sex is a moderating variable).

Question 17

mediator and moderator variables

Answer 17

• Mediator and moderator variables are not extraneous, they are variables that you have taken data on.

Question 18

research question

Answer 18

• An interrogative sentence that states the relationship between two or more variables or the key research question.
  
  • Criteria for good research problems
    ○ Variables should express a clear relationship
    ○ Stated in question form
    ○ Capable of empirical testing.

Question 19

when assessing which study to use for a research question, important to consider

Answer 19

• logistics
• ethics
• validity

Question 20

inferring causality

Answer 20

• A well designed and appropriately controlled and conducted experiment can allow inferences about causality.
  
  • Perform an action (manipulate IV)
  • Measure the consequences (change in DV)
  • Control for other possible explanations.

Question 21

important ethical issues

Answer 21

• Informed consent
• Right to confidentiality
• Right to withdraw
  Do not cause physical or mental harm/distress

Question 22

experimental approach - causation

Answer 22

experimental approach is best method for inferring causation.

- Causal description refers to identifying the consequences of manipulating an IV. 
- Causal explanation refers to explaining the mechanisms through which the relationship exists.

Question 23

experimental approach- manipulation

Answer 23

experimental approach is the only scientific methodology in which variables are manipulated.

Question 24

experimental approach-control

Answer 24

• Extraneous variables are controlled by
  ○ Holding them constant
  ○ Using random assignment
  ○ Matching

Question 25

disadvantages of the experimental approach

Answer 25

• Does not test the effects of non-manipulated variables
  
  • Many potential independent variables cannot be directly manipulated.
    ○ E.g. age, gender etc.
• Artificiality or generalizability
  
  • Refers to potential problems in generalising findings from laboratory settings to the real world.

Question 26

online research advantages

Answer 26

• Access to diverse population
• Bring experiment to participant
• Large sample and thus greater power
• Cost savings

Question 27

online research disadvantages

Answer 27

• Multiple submissions
• Lack of control
• Self-selection
• Drop out

Question 28

types of experimental manipulation

Answer 28

○ Event manipulation

Instructional manipulation

Question 29

individual difference manipulation

Answer 29

• Anything that is not experimentally manipulated
  
  • A characteristic of the participant determined the level of the IV at which they are tested.
    ○ Male vs female
    ○ Level of social support received (high vs low).

Question 30

between groups

Answer 30

independent groups design)

- Each participant tested at only one level of the IV 
- Less sensitive design 
- Only one condition, not exposed to all.

Question 31

repeated measures

Answer 31

(within groups)
- Each participant is tested at each level of the IV.
○ More sensitive design
Cant always use this design.

Question 32

mixed design

Answer 32

• Mixed design

More than one IV with at least one IV manipulated between groups and at least one within groups.

Question 33

positivist or etic

Answer 33

Concerned with uncovering generalizable pattern and laws based on objective empirical data (tends to be deductive in nature)

Question 34

interpretivist or emic

Answer 34

Concerned with subjective interpretation, context specific, not concerned with generalisability but with deep understanding in line with inductive approaches.