Module 10 - Notes Flashcards
(31 cards)
What are the three key quantitative research methods used in psychology?
Survey research, brain imaging (fMRI), and longitudinal studies.
Define Quantitative Research.
A research approach focused on measuring variables using numerical data and statistical analysis.
What is central to quantitative psychological research?
Effective measurement.
What factors influence the choice of research method in quantitative research?
Research question, context, and resources.
What is the purpose of Survey Research?
Gather self-reported data from individuals (e.g., beliefs, behaviours).
What are the key concepts involved in conducting Survey Research?
- Define the hypothesis
- Identify the target population
- Select a representative sample
- Choose a survey delivery method
- Write effective, unbiased questions
What are common issues faced in Survey Research?
- Sampling bias
- Poor question design
- Low response rates
What is a Representative Sample?
A sample that accurately reflects the demographics and characteristics of the target population.
What distinguishes a Biased Sample?
It disproportionately includes or excludes certain groups, leading to unrepresentative results.
What is an Open Question in surveys?
Survey questions that allow respondents to answer freely in their own words.
Define Closed Questions.
Survey questions that provide a limited set of pre-defined response options.
What is a Double-Barrelled Question?
A question that asks about two topics but allows only one answer.
What defines a Leading Question?
A question that subtly prompts the respondent to answer in a particular way.
What is a Forced-Choice Question?
A question that does not include all possible answers or forces respondents into limited options.
What constitutes a Loaded Question?
A question that contains an assumption or emotionally charged language, often leading to biased responses.
What is the purpose of Cognitive Neuroscience & fMRI?
Measure brain activity related to psychological processes.
What are the two types of MRI?
- Structural MRI
- Functional MRI (fMRI)
What does fMRI measure?
Brain activity via the BOLD (Blood Oxygen Level Dependent) effect.
List applications of fMRI.
- Mapping mental functions (e.g., memory, emotion)
- Multivoxel Pattern Analysis (MVPA) to decode thoughts or emotions
What are some limitations of brain imaging techniques?
- Risk of reverse inference
- Small sample sizes
- High costs
- Low replication
- Statistical overfitting
Define BOLD Signal.
The fMRI signal based on changes in blood oxygenation that correlate with neural activity.
What is a Voxel in brain imaging?
A 3D pixel that represents a unit of brain volume, containing thousands of neurons.
What does Multivoxel Pattern Analysis (MVPA) do?
Identifies mental states by analysing patterns across multiple voxels using machine learning.
What is Reverse Inference?
The often invalid assumption that specific brain activity implies a specific mental state.
