Doing Social Psychology Research Flashcards
Part 1 (Introduction) - Chapter 2 (16 cards)
What is the scientific method in social psychology?
It involves formulating hypotheses, conducting empirical research, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. It ensures objectivity and replicability in understanding social behaviour.
What is descriptive research?
- Methods that describe behaviour without manipulating variables
- Includes case studies, naturalistic observation, and surveys
What is correlational research?
- Examines the relationship between two variables to determine if they are associated
- This does not imply causation; correlation does not equal causation
What is experimental research?
- Involves manipulating one variable (independent variable) to observe its effect on another variable (dependent variable)
- Allows for causal inferences through control of extraneous variables
What is internal validity?
The extent to which an experiment accurately measures the intended variables without interference from the extraneous factors.
What is external validity?
The extent to which research findings generalize to real-world settings and populations.
What is random assignment?
Assigning participants to different experimental conditions randomly to ensure each participant has an equal chance of being in any group.
What is a control group?
A group of participants that does not receive the experimental treatment, used for comparison to assess the effect of the treatment.
What are the main realms of ethics in research?
Obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, minimizing harm, and debriefing participants.
What is the goal of applied research?
To make applications to the world and contribute to the solution of social problems.
What is the Bogus Pipeline Technique?
A research method used to reduce social desirability bias by convincing participants that a machine can detect their true attitudes or feelings, encouraging them to respond more honestly.
What is a confederate?
A person who appears to be another participant in a study but is actually working with the researcher to help manipulate the social situation.
What is a confound?
An extraneous variable that varies systematically with the independent variable, making it difficult to determine which variable is actually causing the observed effect.
What is construct validity?
The degree to which a test or experiment truly measures the concept or construct it is intended to assess.
What is the experimenter expectancy effect?
When a researcher’s expectations or biases subtly influence participants’ behaviour or the outcome of a study, potentially skewing results.
What is interrater reliability?
The degree to which different observers or raters agree in their assessments or coding of participants’ behaviour.
