Introduction to Psychology Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is required for a hypothesis to be considered scientific?

There must be a way to conceive of evidence that could prove it false. (correct)

It must be possible to prove it true.

It should be based solely on expert opinion.

It should be widely accepted by the public.

What does 'operational definition' refer to in research?

A vague description of concepts being studied.

The personal opinions of the researchers.

A precise method of measuring the variables. (correct)

The theoretical framework behind the research.

What does replication in research typically involve?

Changing the study completely to create new data.

Repeating the study with different participants to verify findings. (correct)

Conducting a separate study on a related topic without repeating any steps.

Only revising the original report based on criticism.

Which of the following best describes naturalistic observation?

Recording behavior in its natural setting without interference. Signup and view all the answers

What is social desirability bias?

The tendency to answer questions in a socially favorable manner. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does self-report bias have on research outcomes?

It can lead to unrealistic self-perceptions and skew findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as the 'sample' in research?

The group of individuals participating in the study. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of biological psychology?

Genetics and brain structures Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective emphasizes the significance of unconscious processes?

Psychodynamic Psychology Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does socio-cultural psychology primarily examine?

Cultural, ethnic, and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes behavioral psychology?

Analyses learned behaviors and their modifications Signup and view all the answers

Cognitive psychology primarily studies the relationship between ______ and behavior.

thinking and perception Signup and view all the answers

What does evolutionary psychology look for in human thoughts and behaviors?

Survival advantages related to genes Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective focuses on emotions and memories that are outside of awareness?

Psychodynamic Psychology Signup and view all the answers

Behavioral psychology claims that behaviors are primarily shaped by ______.

environmental interactions Signup and view all the answers

What best describes random sampling?

Every member has an equal chance of being selected. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a representative sample?

A sample that mirrors the characteristics of the entire population. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly defines a positive correlation?

Both variables increase or decrease together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the third variable problem in statistics?

When the correlation can be attributed to an unobserved variable. Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes convenience sampling?

Choosing individuals based on their availability. Signup and view all the answers

What does correlation directionality refer to?

Knowing the relationship exists but not the cause and effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is a scatterplot used for in statistics?

To illustrate correlations between two variables. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines a negative correlation?

One variable decreases as the other increases. Signup and view all the answers

What does a correlation coefficient express?

The degree/strength and direction of a relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an experimental group?

They receive the actual treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a control group?

They do not receive any treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of a double-blind study?

Neither the participants nor the experimenters know which group is which. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a placebo in an experiment?

To establish a control for psychological effects. Signup and view all the answers

What does the placebo effect refer to?

A response based solely on expectations. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study allows participants to know their group but keeps the researcher's knowledge hidden?

Single-blind study. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is an experiment most likely biased?

When the experimenter knows the group assignments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of independent variables in an experiment?

To manipulate and observe effects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes dependent variables?

Variables that measure the effects of independent variables Signup and view all the answers

What does validity refer to in an experiment?

The extent to which an experiment measures what it intends to Signup and view all the answers

What is experimenter bias?

A distortion that can affect data and results due to researcher influence Signup and view all the answers

Which method is characterized by numerical data, such as survey results?

Quantitative research Signup and view all the answers

What type of research relies on narrative analysis and cannot produce numerical data?

Qualitative research Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to recognize confounding variables in an experiment?

They can skew results and lead to incorrect conclusions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines qualitative research methods?

Methods that gather in-depth insights but lack quantifiable data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of confederates in an experiment?

To act as participants who are part of the study Signup and view all the answers

What is debriefing in the context of research studies?

It informs participants of the study's aim and methods Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'central tendency' refer to?

A single score that represents a dataset Signup and view all the answers

How is the mean calculated?

By adding all scores and dividing by the count of scores Signup and view all the answers

What does 'regression toward the mean' imply?

Extreme scores in a sample will be balanced out over time Signup and view all the answers

What does percentile rank indicate?

The proportion of scores lower than a specific score Signup and view all the answers

What does variation measure in a dataset?

The average distance of scores from the mean Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the measures of central tendency?

Standard deviation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychology Terminology

Psychology: The scientific study of the mind and behavior.
Biological Psychology: Focuses on how genetics, the nervous system, hormones, and brain structures influence behavior.
Psychodynamic Psychology: Emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind (thoughts, feelings, and drives outside awareness).
Socio-Cultural Psychology: Examines how culture, religion, ethnicity, gender, and environmental factors impact behavior.
Behavioral Psychology: Studies how behaviors are learned and modified.
Cognitive Psychology: Focuses on how thinking and perception influence behavior.
Evolutionary Psychology: Explores aspects of human thought and behavior that support survival.
Humanistic Psychology: Emphasizes human potential and the drive to be one's best.
Cultural Norms: Standards of appropriate behavior within a culture.
Confirmation Bias: Gathering evidence that confirms existing beliefs.
Critical Thinking: Clear, rational, logical, and independent thought.
Hindsight Bias: Overestimating the predictability of past events.
Overconfidence Bias: Overestimating one's knowledge and abilities.
Descriptive Research: Observation, case studies, surveys to evaluate behavior.
Peer Review: Experts evaluating research before publication to ensure quality.
Hypothesis: Testable prediction based on a theory.
Falsifiability: A theory must be possible to disprove.
Operational Definition: Clear description of how variables are measured in a study.
Replication: Repeating a study to see if the basic findings can be reproduced.
Naturalistic Observation: Observing behavior in natural settings.
Social Desirability Bias: Responding to questions in a way that is viewed positively by others.
Self-Report Bias: Affecting the outcome of research, participants may be unrealistic about themselves.

Research Methods

Sample: Group of individuals participating in a study.
Representative Sample: Matches characteristics of the population.
Convenience Sampling: Choosing participants based on availability.
Random Sampling: Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Population: The entire group being studied.
Positive Correlation: Two variables increase or decrease together.
Negative Correlation: One variable increases as the other decreases.
Correlation: A measure of the relationship between two variables.
Directionality Problem: Correlation does not imply causation.
Third-Variable Problem: A third, unmeasured variable might explain the relationship between two observed variables.
Scatterplot: Graph of correlation data.
Correlation Coefficient: Numerical value indicating the strength and direction of a correlation.
Experiment: Carefully controlled procedure to manipulate one or more variables.
Experimental Group: Receives the treatment or manipulation.
Control Group: Does not receive the treatment.
Single-Blind Study: Participants unaware of which group they are in.
Double-Blind Study: Neither participants nor researchers know group assignments.
Placebo: Inert substance or procedure that seems real.
Placebo Effect: Real response to a placebo due to expectations.
Independent Variables: Variables manipulated by the researcher.
Confounding Variables: Unintended variables that might affect results.
Dependent Variables: Variables measured to see the effect of the independent variable.
Validity: Extent to which an experiment measures what it intends to measure.
Experimenter Bias: Researcher's expectations influencing results.
Quantitative Research: Involves numerical data.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Meta-Analysis: Statistical procedure analyzing multiple studies to reach conclusions.
Statistical Significance: Likelihood results are due to chance, not random factors.
Effect Size: Strength of relationship between two variables.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Qualitative Research: In-depth analysis of narrative data.
Ethical Considerations: Moral principles to guide research practices.
Institutional Review Board (IRB): Group that reviews research proposals to ensure safety and rights.
Informed Consent: Participants understanding their involvement and potential risks.
Informed Assent: For minors, recognizing their developing cognitive capacity, with parental involvement.
Protection from Harm: Research methods should avoid unnecessary harm.
Confidentiality: Protecting participant information.

Data Description

Central Tendency: Single number representing a set of scores.
Mean: Average score.
Median: Middle score.
Mode: Most frequent score.
Regression toward the mean: Extreme scores in one sample tending towards the mean in the next sample.
Percentile rank: Percentage of scores below a given score.
Variation: Describes how similar or diverse scores are.
Range: Difference between highest and lowest scores.
Normal Curve: Bell-shaped distribution.
Skewness: Symmetry of distribution.
Bimodal Distribution: Two peaks in a distribution.
Standard Deviation: Measure of how much scores deviate from the mean.
Generalizability: Extent research can be applied to a broader population/different context.

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Description

Test your knowledge of fundamental psychological concepts and research methods with this quiz. It covers various perspectives in psychology, including behavioral, cognitive, biological, and socio-cultural approaches. Ideal for introductory psychology students.