Chapter 2 Research Methods

Question 1

Scientific Skepticism

Answer 1

Willingness to keep an open mind to all claims.

Question 2

What is scientific skepticism characterized by?

Answer 2

Critical thinking (a set of skills).

Question 3

Scientific thinking principles

Answer 3

1. Rule out rival hypotheses
2. Correlation isn’t causation
3. Falsifiability
4. Replicability
5. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence
6. Occam’s razor

Question 4

Falsifiability

Answer 4

Can this claim be disproven?

Question 5

Occam’s razor

Answer 5

Does a simpler explanation fit the data just as well?

Question 6

Replicability

Answer 6

Can the results be duplicated in other studies?

Question 7

System 1 or intuitive thinking

Answer 7

Quick, reflexive, almost automatic. Relies on heuristics.

Question 8

System 2 or analytical thinking

Answer 8

Slow, reflexive, effortful.

Question 9

The scientific method toolbox

Answer 9

Allows us to test specific hypotheses derived from broader theories of how things work.

Question 10

The scientific method. Four main steps:

Answer 10

Observe, detect regularities, generate a hypothesis, and observe

Question 11

Beliefs

Answer 11

Beliefs guide your actions because they’re based on your history.

Question 12

Describing behavior

Answer 12

Descriptive data is collected through systematic observations.

Question 13

Predicting behavior

Answer 13

Once data has been collected, statistical techniques can be applied to predict when the behavior will take place again.

Question 14

Explaining behavior

Answer 14

To determine cause-effect, it is necessary to conduct experimental research.

Question 15

Validity

Answer 15

The extent to which a measure assesses what it claims to measure.

Question 16

Internal

Answer 16

To what extent is your study addressing the issues that it is supposed to address.

Question 17

External

Answer 17

To what extent do your observations represent real life?

Question 18

Naturalistic observation

Answer 18

record naturally occurring behavior in a real-life situation.

Question 19

Structured observation

Answer 19

Observations conducted under highly controlled conditions.

Question 20

Participant observations

Answer 20

Research blends into the group.

Question 21

Reliability

Answer 21

Consistency of measurement.

Question 22

Negative correlation

Answer 22

The two variables move together but in opposite directions.

Question 23

Zero correlation

Answer 23

Value of one measure does not predict value of the other measure.

Question 24

Variable

Answer 24

A characteristic that can vary.

Question 25

Independent variable

Answer 25

The treatment or intervention that the experimenter “manipulates” or varies.

Question 26

Dependent variable

Answer 26

Variable that an experimenter measures to see whether the manipulation has an effect.

Question 27

Random assignment

Answer 27

The experimenter randomly sorts participants into two groups.

Question 28

Confounding variable

Answer 28

Any variable that differs between the experimental and control groups other than the independent variable.

Question 29

Nocebo effect

Answer 29

Harm resulting from the mere expectation of harm.