Research methods and stats - revision 2

Question 1

Describe the placebo effect?

Answer 1

improvements based on thinking positively about results rather than the actual treatment

Question 2

What is hypothesis testing?

Answer 2

Generate a hypothesis to explain phenomenon and that compare to facts.

Question 3

What is flasification?

Answer 3

Karl Popper - researchers actively try to falsify their hypotheses

Question 4

Describe the Duhem-Quine principle

Answer 4

A hypothesis cannot be tested in isolation from other assumptions

Question 5

What are the basic assumptions of science?

Answer 5

There is uniformity or regularity in nature. The reality of nature and discoverability.

Question 6

The assumption of Uniformity and regularity in nature is based on

Answer 6

determinism - all mental processes and behaviors are caused by natural factors.
probabilistic causes - A weaker form of determinism - (causes that usually but may not always occur)

Question 7

The assumption of the reality of nature is

Answer 7

that the things we hear, smell and touch, taste are real.

Question 8

The assumption of discoverability is

Answer 8

that it is possible to discover regularities in nature and discover pieces of the puzzle that fit together.

Question 9

Why are assumptions needed?

Answer 9

to understand, explain, and collect knowledge.

develop theories or laws or generalizations.

Question 10

Why do we control for confounding variables?

Answer 10

for unambiguous answers for cause and event

Question 11

What is replication?

Answer 11

Results from one study are replicated in new studies, thereby making the results more reliable.

Question 12

Reasons for a failure to replicate

Answer 12

the effect does not exist, not the exact same conditions or different context

Question 13

Metaanalysis

Answer 13

quantitative method identifying relationships across many studies

Question 14

Experimental method vs descriptive research

Answer 14

Experimental deals with cause and effect
Descriptive deals with events, situations, phenomena

Question 15

quantitative research vs qualitative studies

Answer 15

Quantitative research collects numerical data e.g ratings of intelligence, timed responses etc.
Qualitative research is non-numerical e.g records, statements, interviews

Question 16

Define variable

Answer 16

A characteristic that varies across or within organisms, situations, or environments

Question 17

Constant

Answer 17

a characteristic which does not vary

Question 18

Categorical vs quantitative

Answer 18

Categorical variables vary by type - e.g gender, race, religion

Quantitative variables vary by degree or amount e.g reaction, time, height, age

Question 19

Independent (IV) vs Dependent (DV)

Answer 19

IV = causes changes in another variable

DV = effect or outcome which is measured. Influenced by the IV.

Question 20

Extraneous/confounding variable

Answer 20

Competes with IV in explaining the DV

Question 21

mediating variable

Answer 21

the mediating variable operates between two other variables. It explains the how and why of a relationship.

Question 22

Moderating variable

Answer 22

Explains the causal relationship which is dependent on a third variable that affects the strength and direction of the IV and DV. Explains the when and for whom of the existing relationship.

Question 23

Examples of the moderating and the mediating variables

Answer 23

Moderating - Stress (IV) is experienced differently by either problem or emotion-focused coping (MV) resulting in higher or lower subjective well-being.

Mediating = Appraisals of control and value (IV) produce arousal (academic emotions) (MV) resulting in academic performance.