Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the scientific method?
What is the primary purpose of the scientific method?
- To manipulate independent variables only
- To draw conclusions from personal observations
- To eliminate bias and error in data measurement (correct)
- To apply results to all individuals without exception
Which statement best describes a hypothesis?
Which statement best describes a hypothesis?
- An integrated set of principles that explain observations
- A tentative proposition about the relationship between variables (correct)
- A proven fact that requires no further testing
- A summary of all available evidence on a topic
What is a major disadvantage of using case studies in research?
What is a major disadvantage of using case studies in research?
- They provide unlimited generalizability to populations
- The findings are often non-specific to the case studied (correct)
- They typically involve experimental manipulation
- They require extensive participant numbers
What is the role of the dependent variable in an experiment?
What is the role of the dependent variable in an experiment?
What is the primary goal of correlational research?
What is the primary goal of correlational research?
In experimental research, which type of variable is manipulated by the researcher?
In experimental research, which type of variable is manipulated by the researcher?
What defines the experimental group in the described research process?
What defines the experimental group in the described research process?
What is the primary purpose of a control group in an experiment?
What is the primary purpose of a control group in an experiment?
What is a key characteristic of survey research?
What is a key characteristic of survey research?
What does correlation in research tell us?
What does correlation in research tell us?
Which step involves creating an educated guess based on observations?
Which step involves creating an educated guess based on observations?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the experimental research method?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the experimental research method?
In a research scenario about children's aggression, which statement could serve as a hypothesis?
In a research scenario about children's aggression, which statement could serve as a hypothesis?
Why must experimental research be conducted cautiously?
Why must experimental research be conducted cautiously?
What is determined during the first step of the scientific research process?
What is determined during the first step of the scientific research process?
What can happen if a researcher's expectations affect the results?
What can happen if a researcher's expectations affect the results?
What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?
What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?
Which branch of psychology emphasizes the study of self-concept and aggression?
Which branch of psychology emphasizes the study of self-concept and aggression?
What is the main goal of forensic psychology?
What is the main goal of forensic psychology?
Cross-cultural psychology is primarily concerned with which aspect?
Cross-cultural psychology is primarily concerned with which aspect?
Which branch of psychology focuses on the prevention and treatment of mental disorders?
Which branch of psychology focuses on the prevention and treatment of mental disorders?
Health psychology applies psychological principles to which area?
Health psychology applies psychological principles to which area?
Which research method is primarily concerned with objective observation and eliminating biases?
Which research method is primarily concerned with objective observation and eliminating biases?
What aspect do counseling psychologists primarily address?
What aspect do counseling psychologists primarily address?
Flashcards
Scientific Method
Scientific Method
A process for testing ideas using observations, experiments, and statistical analysis to reduce bias and error in data measurement.
Theory
Theory
An integrated set of principles explaining observed facts to describe and explain aspects of experience.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis
A suggested explanation (a proposition) for a relationship between variables or phenomena.
Correlational Research
Correlational Research
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Variable
Variable
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Experimental Research
Experimental Research
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Independent Variable
Independent Variable
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Survey Research
Survey Research
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Experimental Group
Experimental Group
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Control Group
Control Group
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What is the research problem?
What is the research problem?
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Formulating a Hypothesis
Formulating a Hypothesis
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Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology
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Personality Psychology
Personality Psychology
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Social Psychology
Social Psychology
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Cross-Cultural Psychology
Cross-Cultural Psychology
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Industrial Psychology
Industrial Psychology
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Forensic Psychology
Forensic Psychology
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Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology
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Health Psychology
Health Psychology
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Study Notes
Definition of Psychology
- Psychology combines the Greek words "psyche" (mind, soul, or spirit) and "logos" (study, knowledge, or discourse)
- Modern psychology is generally defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
- Behavior refers to observable actions and reactions (talking, facial expressions).
- Mental processes encompass internal, covert activities (thinking, feeling).
Goals of Psychology
- Description: Observing behavior and noting all aspects
- Explanation: Determining reasons for observed behavior
- Prediction: Anticipating future behavior
- Control: Modifying behavior from undesirable to desirable
Historical Background and Major Perspectives
- Psychology is relatively young (approximately 125 years old), beginning as a formal science around 1879.
- Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany.
- Psychology has evolved through several schools of thought, including:
- Structuralism (focus on structure of mind)
- Functionalism (focus on functions of mind)
- Gestalt Psychology (focus on the whole mind)
- Psychoanalysis (focus on the unconscious mind)
- Behaviorism (focus on observable behavior)
Modern Schools of Thought
- Psychodynamic perspective: Emphasizes unconscious forces, conflicts, and instinctual energy.
- Behavioral perspective: Highlights the role of learning experiences in shaping behavior.
- Humanistic perspective: Focuses on human values, free will, and potential for growth.
- Cognitive perspective: Emphasizes mental processes like thinking, remembering, and problem-solving.
- Biological perspective: Examines the physical basis of behavior, feelings, and mental processes.
- Socio-cultural perspective: Recognizes the influence of social and cultural factors.
Research Methods
- Scientific method: Reduces bias in measuring data.
- Theory: Integrated principles that describe and explain observations.
- Case study: Examining specific individuals, not easily generalized.
- Survey: Gathering data from a large group of people.
- Correlational research: Identifying relationships between variables.
- Experimental research: Studying cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one or more factors. (independent variables) while keeping all other factors (constant)
Steps in Scientific Research
- Defining the problem: Identifying a noticeable issue
- Formulating a hypothesis: Educated guess about the issue's explanation
- Testing the hypothesis: Collecting data to either support or reject the hypothesis.
- Drawing conclusions: Generalizing implications from the collected data
- Reporting results: Sharing findings so others can learn and build on the research.
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