Unit 1 Modules 4-6

Question 1

Why can’t we solely rely on intuition and common sense?

Answer 1

Hindsight bias, overconfidence, and our tendency to perceive patterns in random events.

Question 2

What is hindsight bias?

Answer 2

After learning an outcome, you feel as though you would have foreseen it.

Question 3

What is critical thinking?

Answer 3

Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Examines assumptions, assess the source, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, assess conclusions.

Question 4

Define theory

Answer 4

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.

Question 5

Define hypothesis

Answer 5

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Question 6

Define operational definitions

Answer 6

Statements of the exact procedures used in a research study.

Question 7

Define replicate

Answer 7

Repeating the essence of a research study. Usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.

Question 8

Define scientific method

Answer 8

is a self-correcting process for evaluating ideas with observation and analysis. If the data supports the predication, the theory works. If the prediction fails, the theory must be rejected or revised.

Question 9

Describe descriptive methods

Answer 9

A way to test a hypothesis: Descriptive methods describe behaviors, often by using case studies, surveys, or naturalistic observations

Question 10

Describe correlational methods

Answer 10

A way to test a hypothesis: Correlational methods associate different factors, or variables.

Question 11

Describe experimental methods

Answer 11

A way to test a hypothesis: Experimental methods manipulate variables to discover their effects.

Question 12

What are case studies?

Answer 12

A descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in hope of revealing universal principles

Question 13

What are the advantages of doing a case study as your research method?

Answer 13

Sometimes very revealing. Show us what CAN happen. Often suggest directions for further study.

Question 14

What are the disadvantages of doing a case study as your research method?

Answer 14

Misleading if the individual is atypical. Unrepresentative information can lead to mistaken judgements and false conclusions.

Question 15

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 15

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Question 16

What are the advantages of using naturalistic observation as your research method?

Answer 16

Describes behavior and offers interesting snapshots of everyday life.

Question 17

What are some of the disadvantages of using naturalistic observation as your research method?

Answer 17

Doesn’t control all variables that may influence behavior.

Question 18

What are surveys?

Answer 18

A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitude or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.

Question 19

What is sample bias?

Answer 19

A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample.

Question 20

What are some advantages of using a survey as your research method?

Answer 20

Looks at more cases. Good for estimating the attitudes or reported behaviors of a whole population.

Question 21

Define a random sample

Answer 21

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

Question 22

Define population

Answer 22

All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (except national studies)

Question 23

What are some disadvantages of using a survey as your research method?

Answer 23

Wording is very important. Looks at cases in less depth. Must be wary of unrepresentative cases.

Question 24

What is correlation?

Answer 24

A measure of the extent to which two variables change together, and thus how well either variable predicts the other. Correlation indicates the possibility of a cause-effect relationship but does not prove such.

Question 25

Define correlation coefficient

Answer 25

Correlation coefficient is a statistical index of the relationship between two variables (from -1.0 to +1.0)

Question 26

Define scatterplots

Answer 26

A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the point suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high concentration).

Question 27

Define negative correlation

Answer 27

Two sets of scores relate inversely, one goes up, other goes down

Question 28

Define positive correlation

Answer 28

rises and lowers together

Question 29

What does it mean when a score is very close to -1 or +1?

Answer 29

The correlation is stronger

Question 30

What is an illusory correlation?

Answer 30

The perception of a relationship where none exists.

Question 31

Define experiment

Answer 31

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable).

Question 32

Define experimental group

Answer 32

In an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable

Question 33

Define control group

Answer 33

In an experiment, the group is not exposed to the treatment; serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

Question 34

Define random assignment

Answer 34

Assigning participants to groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between different groups.

Question 35

Define double-blind procedure

Answer 35

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.

Question 36

Define placebo effect

Answer 36

Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

Question 37

Define independent variable

Answer 37

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Question 38

Define confounding variable

Answer 38

A factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment

Question 39

Define dependent variable

Answer 39

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable

Question 40

Define validity

Answer 40

The extent to which a test/experiment measure or predicts what it is supposed to do