Operational Definitions in Scientific Research

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What is the purpose of operational definitions in psychological research?

To confuse researchers with unnecessary terminology.

To keep covert behaviors hidden from observation.

To limit the scope of research studies.

To make unobservable ideas observable and testable in real-world terms. (correct)

How did researchers define frustration in the context of the text?

Refusing to participate in group activities.

Avoiding social interactions.

Interrupting an adult before he or she finishes a puzzle and wins a movie pass. (correct)

Acting calmly in all situations.

What was the method used by researchers to track people's conversations regarding the talkativeness of women and men?

Electronically activated recorder (correct)

Interviews with participants

Video recording

Manual note-taking

How often did the device used by researchers record sounds while tracking conversations?

Every 30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What was the average number of words spoken by women per day according to the text?

$16,215$ Signup and view all the answers

In psychological research, how are covert behaviors typically defined?

In terms of overt behavior for observation and study. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of palmistry?

To predict the future based on lines on the hand Signup and view all the answers

How do some companies misuse graphology in the hiring process?

By denying job opportunities based on handwriting analysis Signup and view all the answers

What harm can be caused by false psychologies like graphology?

Determining who is hired and given bank credit Signup and view all the answers

Why are pseudopsychologies like palmistry and phrenology still practiced today?

Despite lacking scientific basis, they remain popular Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of astrology believe determines personality traits?

The positions of the stars and planets at birth Signup and view all the answers

How do pseudopsychologies like graphology cause harm to individuals?

By denying opportunities based on handwriting analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why some items never properly enter an individual's experience?

They lack interest for the individual Signup and view all the answers

Why is it not possible to study the mind in the 1800s by measuring reaction time?

Mental responses cannot be measured directly Signup and view all the answers

In the modern version of Donders's RT experiment, what is the task for simple reaction time?

Push the 'J' key when the light goes on Signup and view all the answers

What was the conclusion drawn from observing the choice reaction time task in Donders's experiment?

The decision-making process took one-tenth of a second Signup and view all the answers

What led psychologists to start abandoning the study of mind according to the information provided?

Emergence of behaviorism Signup and view all the answers

Why do mental responses need to be inferred from observing behavior according to the text?

Mental responses cannot be measured directly Signup and view all the answers

What does the saying 'birds of a feather flock together' imply?

People with similar tastes and interests tend to associate with each other. Signup and view all the answers

Why is common sense often found to be wrong according to the text?

It relies on limited personal observations. Signup and view all the answers

How does scientific observation differ from casual observation?

Scientific observation is systematic and based on empirical evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'intersubjective' mean in the context of scientific observation?

Observations can be confirmed by more than one observer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the empirical approach mentioned in the text?

Taking a more objective look based on direct observation Signup and view all the answers

Why do psychologists prefer scientific observation over common sense?

Scientific observation is systematic and can be confirmed by multiple observers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using fMRI in brain imaging?

It measures blood flow based on the magnetic properties of hemoglobin. Signup and view all the answers

How does fMRI indicate the presence of brain activity?

By measuring the magnetic response of hemoglobin molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Why do hemoglobin molecules in areas of high brain activity respond more strongly to the magnetic field?

They lose some oxygen they are carrying, making them more magnetic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the ferrous (iron) molecule in hemoglobin regarding fMRI imaging?

It gives hemoglobin its magnetic properties. Signup and view all the answers

How does fMRI help localize the function of specific brain areas?

By detecting changes in blood flow related to cognitive tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to hemoglobin molecules when exposed to a magnetic field?

They align like tiny magnets due to their iron content. Signup and view all the answers