Research in Psychology Flashcards
(41 cards)
confound variable
variable that correlates with both iv and dv in a study. ex ( happiness leads to longetivity, but eating habits might affect both happiness levels and longevitiy)
Operational Definition
Actions or operations that will be used to measure or control a variable (how are you making your abstract variable observable/concrete)
define experimental and control groups
experimental is the group that will be manipulated (like receiving a drug)
control is the group that will not be receiving anything
Advantages of Experiment
1) Precise control over variables
2) Draw conclusions about cause -effect relationship
DIsadvantages of Experiment
1) Experiments are often artificial
2) Ethical concerns
3) Practical realities
three goals of science
1) measure and describe any phenomenon or behaviour in our environment
2) understand and predict the phenomenon
3) apply and control
5 steps in a scientific investigation
1) formulate a hypothesis
2) design a study
3) collect the data
4) analyze data and draw conclusions
5) report the findings
What is the purpose of experiments?
to test a theory
theory = statement about the probable relationships among a set of abstract variables
Hypothesis
Allows us to test experimental ideas
support for a hypothesis does not prove a theory
what is the rot test
A test all experimental questions must pass
Repeatable
Observable
Testable
What is the Quasi-Experimental Design
used to estimate causal impact of X on Y.
It lacks important factors such as random assingment
Advantages of Quasi- Experimental Design
Easier to set up
Minimize threats to external validity
Disadvantages of Quasi Experimental Design
Lack of random assignment
Difficult to rule out confounds
does correlation equal to causality?
NO
correlation= association
What is illusory correlation?
perceiving a relationship between variables even when no such relationshiop exists
What is the range of correlation coefficient r?
-1.0 to +1.0
What is positive correlation?
if one goes up, the other goes up
if one goes down, the other goes down
What is negative correlation?
if one goes up, the other goes down
if one goes down, the other goes up
What is qualitative research?
People behaving in their natural settings and describing their world in their own words.
4 types of qualitative research
1) Ethnography : study of social and cultural conditions
2) naturalistic observation: observe behaviors under natural conditions
3) case history/study: detailed account of the events in a case
4) focus group interview
what is Naturalistic Observation?
Careful observation of beh. without intrvening directly with the subjects
Advantages of Naturaliztic Observation
1)Minimizes artificiality
2)good when little is known
3) study animals and human beings
Disadvantages of Naturalistic Observation
1) Unable to draw causal conditions
2) Difficult to quantify
3) Difficult to remain unobtrusive
What is case studies?
an in-depth investigation if an individual subject
