W2: RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Question 1

what is scientific method?

Answer 1

Method of studying nature by systematic observation

Question 2

what is empirical evidence?

Answer 2

Information gathered through various means of data collection such as experimentation, testing or experience

Question 3

what is a variable?

Answer 3

-factor that is the main focus ofa study
-variable is anything that varies and can be measured (Gender,
Age, Eye colour)

Question 4

what is operational definition?

Answer 4

• The explanation of procedures that will be used to measure a variable
• It should be clear enough to be understood by a naïve researcher

Question 5

what is a theory?

Answer 5

-explanation of facts and causal relationships

Question 6

what is a hypothesis?

Answer 6

-A prediction based on a theory that is tested in a study

Question 7

name 3 methods of data collection?

Answer 7

-survey, naturalistic observation and case study/clinical method

Question 8

what does the survey method entail?

Answer 8

• A research method that uses interviews and questionnaires with individuals
• Asking participants to report their opinions about certain topics

Question 9

what does the naturalistic observation method entail?

Answer 9

• Recording behaviours as they occur in natural life settings
• Involves unobtrusive observations

Question 10

what does a case study/clinical method entail?

Answer 10

• Investigating and examining one person in depth

- In clinical psychology, it is the method of studying people while they are receiving psychological help

Question 11

name 3 research methods?

Answer 11

descriptive studies, correlational studies and experiments

Question 12

what does descriptive studies entail?

Answer 12

-Describe a certain behavior/psychological process -Do not give information about causal relationships

Question 13

what does experiments studies entail?

Answer 13

• Reach conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships between variables
• Elements & logic of formal experiments
• Independent variable-Dependent variable Experimental group-Control group

Question 14

what is experimental and control group?

Answer 14

-Experimental group: The group that receives some value of the
independent variable
-Control group: The group that is not exposed to any level of the independent variable and is used for comparisons with the treatment group

Question 15

what is the difference between IV and DV?

Answer 15

o Independent variable (IV)= the variable whose quantitative value is independently controlled/manipulated by the researcher
o Dependent variable (DV)= the variable whose quantitative value is expected to depend on the effects of the independent variable (i.e., the variable that the researcher will measure)

Question 16

what is sampling?

Answer 16

• Sample= A group of participants studied to learn about an entire population
• To have a representative sample is importantàgeneralizability of results
• Randomsampling= The requirement that participants be selected randomly from the population of interest and each individual has the same probability of being chosen for the sample

Question 17

name 5 ethical principles of research when it comes to human participants?

Answer 17

freedom from coercion, informed consent, limited deception, adequate debriefing, confidential

Question 18

what about ethical principle of research when it comes to non-human participants?

Answer 18

• Research that would be unethical to do with humans

- Necessity, take care of their health, treat them humanely