Groupthink and Policy Decisions Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary research strategy used by Janis in his study of groupthink?

Archival research.

List any two major US foreign policy fiascoes that Janis analyzed in his research.

The Bay of Pigs invasion and the attack on Pearl Harbor.

What aspect of policy-making groups did Janis argue contributed to disastrous decisions?

Failure to utilize available information.

What was the focus of Tetlock's quantitative analysis of archival materials?

<p>To assess how decision-makers processed policy-relevant information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Janis, what element forms a consistent social psychological pattern in decision-making?

<p>Groupthink.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of documents can constitute archival data in research?

<p>Personal documents, creative products, biographies, and governmental records.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tendency did Tetlock find in public statements made by decision-makers during groupthink situations?

<p>A tendency to process information in simplistic and biased ways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic that differentiates a true experiment from a quasi-experiment?

<p>The key characteristic is that in a true experiment, the researcher can randomly allocate participants to conditions, while in a quasi-experiment, pre-existing groups are used.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of experiments, what is meant by the term 'independent variable'?

<p>The independent variable is the manipulated variable that the researcher examines for its effect on the dependent variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'random allocation' entail in the context of true experiments?

<p>Random allocation involves assigning participants to different groups in such a way that each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Liebert and Baron's (1972) study, what were the two conditions participants could be allocated to?

<p>Participants could be allocated to either view a violent television program or an exciting athletics race.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be attributed to the difference in behavior observed in the Liebert and Baron study?

<p>The difference in behavior can be attributed to the type of material viewed, due to the random allocation of participants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why true experiments provide stronger evidence for causal relationships than quasi-experiments.

<p>True experiments provide stronger evidence for causal relationships due to the control over random allocation and manipulation of variables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the design of a quasi-experiment regarding groups of participants?

<p>In a quasi-experiment, pre-existing groups of participants are either exposed or not exposed to the independent variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might the lack of random allocation in quasi-experiments affect the results?

<p>The lack of random allocation can lead to biased results, as participant characteristics might influence the observed outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the sophistication of quasi-experimental designs allow researchers to do?

<p>Draw conclusions about causality with some confidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Charles M. Judd and what is his contribution to the field of psychology?

<p>Charles M. Judd is a leading scholar in social cognition and an expert in experimental design and methodologies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major distinction do surveys have compared to experiments and quasi-experiments?

<p>Surveys focus on measuring existing levels of relevant variables rather than manipulating them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of experiments attempt to combine the control of laboratory experiments with the realism of quasi-experiments?

<p>Field experiments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable award did Charles M. Judd receive for his contributions?

<p>The 1999 Thomas M. Ostrom Award for Lifetime Contributions to Social Cognition Theory and Research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of conducting quasi-experiments?

<p>They address practical and ethical considerations in research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of research does Oppenheim (1992) associate with the utility of quasi-experimental designs?

<p>Survey research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year was Charles M. Judd awarded an honorary doctorate from Université Catholique de Louvain?

<ol start="2006"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is a mediating variable, and why is it important in research?

<p>A mediating variable is one that influences the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable; it is important because it helps clarify the mechanisms through which effects occur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is David A. Kenny, and what has he contributed to the field of research methodology?

<p>David A. Kenny is a prominent researcher known for his work on moderation and mediation, particularly through his influential paper with Reuben Baron in 1986.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define internal validity and explain its significance in experimental research.

<p>Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study accurately establishes a causal relationship between independent and dependent variables; it is significant as it ensures that results are due to the manipulation of the independent variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does a control group play in enhancing internal validity?

<p>A control group serves as a baseline to compare against the experimental group, helping to isolate the effects of the independent variable and strengthen causal inferences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of validity in experimental research, and how do they differ?

<p>The three types of validity are internal validity, construct validity, and external validity; internal validity assesses causal relationships, construct validity ensures accurate measurement of constructs, and external validity relates to the generalizability of results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be potential threats to internal validity even when a control group is used?

<p>Potential threats include selection bias, where groups differ beyond the independent variable, and other confounding variables that may influence the outcome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'validity' in the context of research?

<p>Validity refers to the degree to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure, ensuring the findings are based on sound evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has David A. Kenny's work influenced the analysis of dyadic processes in social behavior?

<p>Kenny's work has provided a framework for understanding how each individual's behavior in a dyad affects the other, emphasizing the interdependent nature of social interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Miller's study reveal about the fundamental attribution error in Americans compared to Indian Hindus?

<p>Miller's study showed that Americans often attribute behavior to dispositional factors, while Indian Hindus are more likely to consider contextual explanations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it suggested that social psychological theories should not be viewed as universal laws?

<p>Social psychological theories may not hold universally because they can change when people modify their behaviors based on understanding those theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the subjects of social sciences from those of natural sciences?

<p>The subjects of social sciences are people who attribute meaning to their actions, whereas natural sciences study inanimate objects that do not ascribe meaning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can meta-analysis contribute to the reliability of findings in social psychology?

<p>Meta-analysis can statistically integrate results from independent studies to determine if findings are consistent across different investigations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of the way social psychology interacts with real-world behavior?

<p>One implication is that theories in social psychology may have limited temporal validity because understanding them can lead to behavior modification.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental error in attribution does Miller's study focus on?

<p>Miller's study focuses on the fundamental attribution error, which is the tendency to attribute others' behaviors to dispositional rather than contextual factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do social psychological experiments differ from experimentation in natural sciences?

<p>In social psychology, the relationship between the researcher and the subjects involves human meaning, unlike the objective nature of natural sciences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is internal validity in the context of an experiment?

<p>Internal validity refers to the extent to which changes in the independent variable lead to changes in the dependent variable without influence from other factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do cultural norms play in psychological tendencies according to cross-cultural research?

<p>Cultural norms significantly shape psychological tendencies, influencing how individuals explain behaviors and understand their social world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might using different experimenters in various conditions threaten internal validity?

<p>Using different experimenters can introduce a confounding variable, making it impossible to determine if the results are due to the proximity variable or differences in the experimenters' influences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define construct validity and its importance in social psychological research.

<p>Construct validity is the degree to which operational definitions accurately reflect the abstract variables they represent, ensuring valid conclusions about relationships between variables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some threats to construct validity in dependent variables?

<p>Threats to construct validity include social desirability, demand characteristics, and experimenter expectancy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain what is meant by an experimental confound.

<p>An experimental confound occurs when an independent variable is intertwined with two or more components, making it difficult to isolate the effects of each variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Can high internal validity guarantee high construct validity? Why or why not?

<p>No, high internal validity does not guarantee high construct validity because a causal relationship may exist between variables that do not accurately capture the constructs intended.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of how experimenter identity can confound an experiment?

<p>An example is if different experimenters have varying demeanor or authority levels, which may influence participants' responses alongside the intended manipulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to consider both internal and construct validity in psychological experiments?

<p>Considering both is vital to ensure that the findings accurately reflect causal relationships and that the measures truly represent the constructs of interest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Archival Research

A research method that uses existing records, documents, or artifacts to study past events or trends.

Groupthink

A phenomenon where group members prioritize conformity and agreement over critical thinking, leading to poor decision-making.

Janis's Research on Groupthink

A researcher carefully analyzes various sources of information related to a specific event to understand the circumstances and decision-making process.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

A major US foreign policy failure involving a failed invasion of Cuba.

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Escalation of the Korean War

A major US foreign policy decision to escalate the war effort in Korea.

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Pearl Harbor Attack

The US's lack of preparation for the surprise attack by Japan at Pearl Harbor.

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Escalation of the Vietnam War

A major US foreign policy decision to escalate the Vietnam War.

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Watergate Incident

A political scandal involving the misuse of power by US President Richard Nixon.

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True Experiment

A research method where the researcher can control who is exposed to the independent variable and randomly assigns participants to different groups.

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Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment. It's the 'cause' in a cause-and-effect relationship.

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Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment. It's the 'effect' in a cause-and-effect relationship.

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Quasi-experiment

A research method where the researcher cannot control who is exposed to the independent variable. Participants are already in pre-existing groups.

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Random Allocation

The process of allocating participants to different groups or conditions in an experiment, ensuring each participant has an equal chance of being in any group.

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Violence and Media Research

A research method used to study the effects of exposure to violent media content on subsequent behaviors.

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Liebert and Baron (1972) Study

A study where children were randomly assigned to watch either a violent or a non-violent television program.

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Opportunity to Hurt

The opportunity for participants to engage in potentially harmful behavior or action.

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Mediating Variable

A variable that explains the relationship between two other variables.

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Internal Validity

The extent to which a research finding accurately reflects a causal relationship.

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External Validity

The extent to which a research finding can be generalized to other populations, settings, and times.

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Validity

A measure is valid to the extent that it measures precisely what it is supposed to measure.

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Confounding Variable

A threat to internal validity that occurs when groups being compared differ with respect to more than the independent variable.

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Dyadic Process

A study in which each person's behavior affects the other person's behavior.

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Mediation Analysis

A statistical technique used to analyze the relationship between three or more variables.

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Experimental Research

A type of research that attempts to maximize internal validity, construct validity, and external validity.

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Quasi-experimental designs

Research designs that aim to establish cause-and-effect relationships but lack full experimental control; used when manipulating variables is impractical or unethical.

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Field experiments

Research studies conducted in natural settings, aiming to combine the control of lab experiments with the realism of real-world situations.

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Survey research

A method of data collection using questionnaires or interviews to measure existing levels of variables without manipulation.

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Causality

The process of examining the relationship between variables, focusing on how one variable changes when another is manipulated. It helps determine cause-and-effect.

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Moderation Analysis

An analysis technique used to explore how the relationship between two variables is affected by a third variable, known as the moderating variable.

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Evaluation and quasi-experimental designs

A statistical method used in quasi-experiments to analyze data and determine the causal effects of independent variables on dependent variables.

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Social cognition

The branch of psychology that studies how people think, perceive, and process information.

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Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to explain someone's behavior based on their personality traits rather than the situation they're in.

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Meta-Analysis

A research method that combines results from multiple independent studies on the same topic, analyzing the overall trends to get a more reliable conclusion.

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Limited Temporal Validity

The idea that even well-supported psychological theories may not hold true over time, as people learn about them and change their behavior.

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Self-Awareness in Social Psychology

The ability of people to learn about social psychology and use that knowledge to change their own actions.

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Social Sciences vs. Natural Sciences

The idea that the relationship between researchers and their subjects in social science is fundamentally different than in natural science.

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Cultural Relativity in Psychology

The perspective that cultural norms and values influence psychological tendencies, which means universal 'truths' may not exist.

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Self-Concept

The way an individual conceptualizes themselves within a society.

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Social Psychology

The study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others.

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Experimental Confound

A situation where an independent variable has two or more potentially separable components that could be influencing the dependent variable.

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Construct Validity

The validity of the assumption that independent and dependent variables adequately capture the abstract variables they are supposed to represent.

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Social Desirability

The tendency for participants to respond in a way that makes them look good, even if it means not being truthful.

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Demand Characteristics

Clues or hints in the experiment that might tell participants what the researcher expects, leading them to behave in a certain way.

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Experimenter Expectancy

The researcher's expectations about the outcome of the experiment can influence the results, even unintentionally.

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Threats to Construct Validity

Threats to construct validity of dependent variables that make it difficult to know if changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable or other extraneous factors.

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Controlling for Confounding Variables

The process of ensuring that the independent variable is the only thing that changes between the experimental groups.

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Study Notes

Research Methods in Social Psychology

  • Research methods in social psychology encompass the processes of gathering information and testing theories, covering various research strategies.
  • Key terms:
    • Confederate: An accomplice of the researcher.
    • Construct: An abstract theoretical concept.
    • Construct validity: The extent to which operational definitions accurately measure/represent constructs.
    • Control group: A group not exposed to the independent variable.
    • Convergent validity: The degree to which different operationalizations of the same construct correlate.
    • Cover story: A false explanation for the purpose of an experiment to minimize demand characteristics.
    • Debriefing: Clarifying the true nature of a study afterward.
    • Demand characteristics: Cues that reveal the researcher's hypothesis, potentially affecting participant responses.
    • Dependent variable: The measured variable that is expected to change in response to changes in an independent variable.
    • Discourse analysis: Examining written and spoken language to understand how people make sense of the world.
    • Experiment: A method for establishing causal relationships between variables.
    • Experimental confound: When an independent variable contains two or more separable variables.
    • Experimental group: The group exposed to the independent variable.
    • Experimental scenario: The setting/context of the study.
    • Experimenter expectancy effect: The researcher's expectations influencing participant behavior.
    • External validity: Generalizability of findings to other contexts or populations.
    • Factorial experiment: A design involving two or more independent variables.
    • Field experiment: An experiment conducted in a natural setting.
    • Hypothesis: A testable prediction.
    • Implicit measures: Unobtrusive methods to assess attitudes/reactions.
    • Independent variable: The manipulated variable whose effect is being examined.
    • Interaction effect: When the combined effect of two or more independent variables on a dependent variable differs from the sum of their individual effects.
    • Internal validity: Whether the relationship between manipulated variables is genuinely causal.
    • Internet experiment: An experiment conducted via the internet.
    • Mediating variable: A variable that explains the relationship between other variables.
    • Manipulation check: Measures how effective a manipulation is.
    • Meta-analysis: Statistical technique combining results from multiple studies to assess the reliability of findings.
    • Operationalization: Translating abstract concepts into measurable variables.
    • Participant: A person taking part in a study.
    • Participant observation: Observation of a group by joining it.
    • Post-test only control group design: A basic true experimental design with two groups.
    • Quota sample: A representative sample reflecting specific population characteristics.
    • Quasi-experiment: An experiment with less control over variables.
    • Random allocation: Assigning participants randomly to groups.
    • Reactivity: Changes in behaviour due to being observed.
    • Reliability: The stability and consistency of a measure/result.
    • Sampling: Selecting a subset from a population for study.
    • Self-report measures: Participants report their own beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour directly.
    • Simple random sample: Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
    • Social desirability: Tendency of participants to give socially acceptable answers.
    • Survey research: A research approach to gather information by interviewing/questioning a sample.
    • Theory: A set of abstract concepts and propositions that explain relationships between phenomena.
    • Triangulation: Combining multiple types of data/methods for a more comprehensive understanding.
    • Variable: A measurable representation of a construct.

Chapter Outline

  • Introduction: Explains the importance of research methods in social psychology.
  • Research strategies: Details various quantitative methods (experiments, quasi-experiments, surveys) and briefly discusses qualitative approaches (e.g., discourse analysis).
  • A closer look at experimentation in social psychology: Explores the features of social psychological experiments and the threats to validity.
  • Data collection techniques: Outlines observational, self-report, and implicit measures.
  • Summary: Summarizes the main points discussed in the chapter.

Research Close-ups (Ex. Archives of "Groupthink")

  • This section provides a detailed description of a specific research strategy (archival analysis) focusing on group decision-making and its potential flaws.

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CHAPTER 2 Research Methods in Social Psychology PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on Janis's research about groupthink and its implications in major US foreign policy decisions. This quiz covers key concepts, case studies, and methodologies related to decision-making in policy-making groups. Answer questions about Janis and Tetlock's contributions to understanding group dynamics.

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