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Questions and Answers
What is naturalistic observation?
What is naturalistic observation?
What is a control group?
What is a control group?
The group that does not receive the treatment in a scientific experiment.
Define hypothesis.
Define hypothesis.
A tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
What does the correlational method measure?
What does the correlational method measure?
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What is critical thinking?
What is critical thinking?
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What does the phrase 'theory must also be falsifiable' mean?
What does the phrase 'theory must also be falsifiable' mean?
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What is a self-fulfilling prophecy?
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy?
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What is a dependent variable?
What is a dependent variable?
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What is random assignment?
What is random assignment?
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What are APA Ethical Guidelines for Human Research?
What are APA Ethical Guidelines for Human Research?
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What are the APA Ethical Guidelines for Animal Research?
What are the APA Ethical Guidelines for Animal Research?
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What does 'statistically significant' refer to?
What does 'statistically significant' refer to?
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What are extraneous variables?
What are extraneous variables?
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What is a meta-analysis?
What is a meta-analysis?
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What is an independent variable?
What is an independent variable?
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Study Notes
Research Methods in Psychology
- Naturalistic Observation: Data collection method observing subjects in their natural environment without interference; aims to understand behavior in real-world contexts.
- Control Group: Essential in experiments; this group doesn't receive the treatment being tested, allowing for comparison to the experimental group.
- Hypothesis: A testable prediction that explores the relationship between variables, providing a foundation for experimental investigation.
Research Techniques
- Correlational Method: Assesses the degree to which two variables are related, but does not imply causation.
- Critical Thinking: Important cognitive skill that involves evaluating arguments, uncovering hidden values, and assessing evidence to form judgments.
- Falsifiability: A characteristic of scientific theories; asserts that a statement must be able to be proven false to be valid.
Psychological Phenomena
- Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Occurs when a belief or expectation influences actions that ultimately lead to the expected outcome.
Variables in Research
- Dependent Variable: The outcome measured in an experiment, affected by changes in the independent variable.
- Independent Variable: The manipulated factor in an experiment, believed to affect the dependent variable.
- Extraneous Variables: Uncontrolled variables that may influence the dependent variable, confounding experimental results.
Research Ethics
- APA Ethical Guidelines (Human): Framework established by the American Psychological Association to protect participants, ensuring elements like informed consent, confidentiality, and minimal risk.
- APA Ethical Guidelines (Animal): Similar guidelines for animal research focusing on humane treatment, legal acquisition, and minimizing suffering.
Experimental Design
- Random Assignment: Procedure to ensure every participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group, which helps enhance the validity of the experimental results.
- Direct Observation: Method of gathering information by observing subjects in their usual environment without interference.
Statistical Analysis
- Statistical Significance: Indicates the likelihood that observed results are not due to chance; determined through hypothesis testing.
- Meta-Analysis: Statistical approach that consolidates findings from multiple studies to reveal overarching patterns and relationships.
Additional Concepts
- Co-efficient of Correlation: A value that measures the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables; ranges from -1 to +1.
- Disadvantages and Advantages of Research Methods: Each research method has its strengths and weaknesses, impacting the choice of method based on research goals.
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Description
Dive into the key concepts of AP Psychology with these flashcards focusing on Unit 2. Explore terms like naturalistic observation and control group, essential for understanding research methods in psychology. Perfect for exam preparation or reinforcing your knowledge on research techniques.