Lecture 1 and 2 Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is Pseudoscience? How is it different from science?
A. Pseudoscience follows the scientific method, while science does not.
B. Science is based on testable and falsifiable evidence, while pseudoscience relies on untestable claims and anecdotal evidence.
C. Pseudoscience uses experiments, but science does not require experiments.
D. Both pseudoscience and science make use of peer-reviewed publications.
B. Science is based on testable and falsifiable evidence, while pseudoscience relies on untestable claims and anecdotal evidence.
What are some signs of Pseudoscience? (5)
Exaggerated claims: “too good to be true”
Over Reliance on anecdotes: relying on stories from other people (not actual research)
Lack of external peer review: findings not reviewed by unbiased experts
Proof rather than evidence: saying something without actually showing it (ex Trust us, this really works!)
Psychobabble: Using fancy terms that mean nothing.
What are some dangers of pseudoscience? Which of the following are dangers of pseudoscience? Select all that apply.
A. Erosion of trust in legitimate science
B. Opportunity cost, where people give up something important for pseudoscientific alternatives
C. Enhanced credibility of scientific methods
D. Real harm caused to individuals
E. Increased reliance on evidence-based practices
A, B, D
How can we protect ourselves from pseudoscience?
Rival Hypotheses: are there alternative explanations for what we observe
Correlation and causation: just because two things are related to each other, it doesn’t mean they cause each other.
Falsifiability: science allows for our ideas to be tested and to be proven wrong.
Replicability: the study must be able to be replicated from the evidence.
Extraordinary claims: compelling evidence for a compelling statement
Parsimony/Occam’s Razor: (not as reliable) sometimes the simple answer is best.
Why do we “believe” in pseudoscience?
Sunk cost: “sinking” into something because you already invested
Confirmation bias: you want evidence to believe
Dunning-Kruger effect: the less you know, the more likely you think you’re an expert
What is structuralism and its limitations?
Basic elements of consciousness (think of periodic table). Taking simple tasks to group and make each describe in detail
Limitations: Subjectivity (individual differences), not enough to describe mental experiences.
What is functionalism and its limitations? How does it relate the the theory of evolution?
Functionalism is why we have the experiences that we do.
Limitations: does not explain how different brain processes produce the same function.
Relation to the theory of evolution: Different experiences lead to different outcomes.
What is psychoanalysis? The dream analysis? Fruedian slip? and its limitations?
Psychoanalysis is the study of the unconsciousness.
Dream analysis: “unconscious wish fulfilment”
Fruedian slip: when you say something, but you mean something else.
Limitations: Not accurate.
What is behaviorism? The black box? Its limitations?
The study that behaviors can be explained without feelings. It is the most reliable study.
That black box is what goes on in the mind of an individual.
Limitations: Hard to make predictions.
What study is the most reliable?
Behaviorism.
What is the difference between behaviorism and cognitivism? Its limitations?
cognitive believes that brain matters, behaviorism does not think that the brain matters.
What is cognitivism? Its limitations?
Focuses on the process of the minds.
Limitations: Individual differences.
What is a pro of using case studies in research?
A. High external validity
B. Rich information
C. Wide applicability of results
D. Control over all variables
B. Rich information
What is a con of using case studies in research?
A. High external validity
B. Low external validity
C. Limited internal validity
D. Requires many participants
B. Low external validity
What is naturalistic observation in research?
A. Conducting controlled experiments in a lab
B. Simply observing people without interfering
C. Analyzing data that already exists
D. Studying a small number of people intensively
B. Simply observing people without interfering
Which of the following is a con and which is a pro of naturalistic observation?
A. High external validity
B. Low internal validity
C. Requires many participants
D. Difficulty in gathering data
CON - B. Low internal validity
PRO - A. High external validity
What is archival research?
A. Research involving observation of participants
B. Studying existing data sets to gather information
C. Conducting experiments with controlled variables
D. Performing in-depth studies on a small group of individuals
B. Studying existing data sets to gather information
What is a con and a pro of archival research?
A. Less invasive than other methods
B. Lack of quality control
C. Rich information from participants
D. Low internal validity due to reactivity
CON - B. Lack of quality control
PRO - A. Less invasive than other methods
What is an advantage AND a disadvantage of using surveys/questionnaires in research?
A. Low external validity
B. High response accuracy
C. Ease of administration
D. Full control over variables
E. Response error
Advantage - C. Ease of administration
Disadvantage - E. Response error
Which of the following best describes malingering in research?
A. Randomly selecting participants to ensure diverse data
B. Faking answers in a survey or questionnaire
C. A test producing consistent results
D. Observing natural behavior
B. Faking answers in a survey or questionnaire
What is the term used when all results are agreed?
A. Internal consistency
B. Test-retest reliability
C. Inter-rater reliability
A. Internal consistency
What term is used when all results are stable?
A. Internal consistency
B. Inter-rater reliability
C. Test-retest reliability
C. Test-retest reliability
What term is used when two people agree on results?
A. Inter-rater reliability
B. Internal consistency
C. Test-retest reliability
A. Inter-rater reliability
