Chapter 3

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

A method of inquiry that provides for the systematic collection of data, controlled observation, and the testing of hypotheses

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A tentative explanation for certain facts or observation

Question 3

Case study

Answer 3

An intensive study of one individual that relies on clinical data

Question 4

Correlational studies

Answer 4

Allow researchers to look at data from a group to determine if variations in one variable are accompanied by increases or decreases in a second variable

Question 5

Positive correlation

Answer 5

An increase in one variable was accompanied by an increase in the other

Question 6

Negative correlation

Answer 6

Involves an increase in one variable accompanied by a decrease in the other

Question 7

Experiment

Answer 7

A technique of scientific inquiry in which a prediction is made about two variables; the independent variable is then manipulated in a controlled situation, and changes in dependent variable are measured

Question 8

Experimental hypothesis

Answer 8

A prediction concerning how an independent variable will affect a dependent variable in an experiment

Question 9

Independent variable

Answer 9

(The possible cause), which the experimenter manipulates to determine its effect on the dependent variable

Question 10

Dependent variable

Answer 10

Expected to change as a result of changes in the independent variable

Question 11

The Experimental Group

Answer 11

Group exposed to independent variable

Question 12

The Control Group

Answer 12

Group similar in every way to the experimental group except they are not exposed to the independent variable

Question 13

The Placebo Group

Answer 13

If improvement is made it is from an element of expectancy

Question 14

Placebo effect

Answer 14

Improvement produced by expectations of a positive treatment outcome

Question 15

Single-blind study

Answer 15

An experimental design in which only participants are unaware of the purpose of the research

Question 16

Double-blind study

Answer 16

An experimental design in which neither those helping with the experiment nor the participants are aware of experimental conditions

Question 17

Analogue study

Answer 17

An investigation that attempts to replicate or stimulate, under controlled conditions, a situation that occurs in real life

Question 18

Field Study

Answer 18

An investigative technique in which behaviors and events are observed and recorded in their natural environment

Question 19

Endophenotypes

Answer 19

Measurable characteristics that can give clues regarding the specific genes involved in disorders

Question 20

Twin studies

Answer 20

Researchers often make comparisons between identical and fraternal twins to evaluate heredity and environmental influences on development

Question 21

Genetic Linkage Studies

Answer 21

Studies that attempt to determine whether a disorder follows a genetic pattern

Question 22

Epigenetic Research

Answer 22

Focus on environmental factors that influence whether or not a gene is expressed

Question 23

Epidemiological Research

Answer 23

The study of the prevalence and distribution of mental disorders in a population

Question 24

Prevalence

Answer 24

The percentage of individuals in a targeted population who have a particular disorder during a specific period of time

Question 25

Lifetime Prevalence

Answer 25

The percentage of people in the population who have had a disorder at some point in their lives

Question 26

Psychodiagnosis

Answer 26

Assessment and description of an individuals psychological symptoms, including inferences about what might be causing psychological distress

Question 27

Reliability

Answer 27

The degree to which a procedure, test, or classification yields the same results repeatedly under the same circumstances

Question 28

Test-retest reliability

Answer 28

Determines whether a measure yields the same results when given at two different points in time

Question 29

Internal consistency reliability

Answer 29

Requires that various parts of a test yield similar/consistent results

Question 30

Interrater reliability

Answer 30

Refers to how consistent or inconsistent test results are when scored by different test admins

Question 31

Validity

Answer 31

The degree to which an instrument measures what it was developed to measure

Question 32

Predictive validity

Answer 32

How well a test or measure predicts or forecasts a person's behavior, response, or performance

Question 33

Construct validity

Answer 33

How well a test or measure relates to the characteristics or disorder in question

Question 34

Psychosis

Answer 34

A condition involving loss of contact with or a distorted view of reality, including disorganized thinking, false beliefs, or seeing/hearing things not really there

Question 35

Standardization

Answer 35

The use of identical procedures in the administration of tests

Question 36

Standardization sample

Answer 36

The comparison group on which test norms are based

Question 37

Projective personality tests

Answer 37

Test involving responses to ambiguous stimuli, such as inkblots, pictures, or incomplete sentences