Psychological Research Methods chapter2

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Questions and Answers

Which type of validity focuses on the accuracy of a measure in real-world settings?

Content validity

Construct validity

Face validity

Ecological validity (correct)

What is the primary role of the Research Ethics Boards (REB)?

To evaluate the reliability of psychological tests

To protect the rights of study participants (correct)

To ensure the validity of the research findings

To oversee funding allocation for psychological research

Which of the following is NOT a recognized form of reliability in research?

Voluntary consistency (correct)

Inter-rater reliability

Internal consistency

Test-retest reliability

In ethical research guidelines, what must be provided to participants after the study?

Debriefing information Signup and view all the answers

What ethical principle requires researchers to minimize harm when using non-human animals in research?

Limit pain and distress Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical consideration requires ensuring that participants have complete understanding of the study?

Informed consent Signup and view all the answers

When should the use of deception in research be considered acceptable?

When no alternative procedure is available Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using a minimum number of subjects in animal research?

To obtain valid information Signup and view all the answers

In the study examining the effects of sun lamp exposure on depression levels, which variable is considered the independent variable?

The duration of sun lamp exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes sampling bias?

Choosing a sample that does not accurately reflect the characteristics of the population Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is synonymous with operational definition in research?

The methods used to measure variables Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research methods, which approach would most likely lead to the strongest cause-and-effect conclusions?

Experimental research Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical consideration when conducting psychological research involving human participants?

Maintaining confidentiality of participant data Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature of a hypothesis in psychological research?

It should be a testable prediction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of correlational research?

It describes relationships between variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of using case studies in psychological research?

They do not allow for the determination of cause and effect. Signup and view all the answers

The Hawthorne Effect suggests that:

Participants alter their behavior due to observation. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a researcher use naturalistic observation?

To gain insights into behavior in a natural setting. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of psychological research, what is a key disadvantage of observational techniques?

They may not represent the broader population. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the experimental group in a psychological study?

The group exposed to the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is one ethical consideration researchers must address in psychological studies?

Guaranteeing the complete anonymity of participants. Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is specifically noted for its ability to determine causation?

Experimental Research Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes random assignment in psychological research?

It gives each subject an equal chance to be assigned to either group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a limitation of using surveys in psychological research?

Respondents may give socially desirable answers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a placebo in experimental research?

To create a control condition without participant bias. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of inferential statistics, what does a p-value indicate?

The chance that observed results occurred due to random chance. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to research primarily focuses on describing behavior rather than explaining it?

Descriptive Studies Signup and view all the answers

Why is peer review considered essential in psychological research?

It ensures findings are scrutinized to enhance research quality. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges do psychologists face when attempting to replicate studies?

The potential for variation in subject selection and methodology. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best distinguishes pseudopsychology from psychology?

Psychology strictly adheres to scientific methodology. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary ethical consideration in psychological research involving human subjects?

Obtaining informed consent from all participants. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research method is characterized by observing and recording behavior in a natural setting?

Observational research. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of analytical findings in psychology?

To evaluate and interpret the data collected. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect differentiates psychological research from pseudopsychology?

Pseudopsychology often uses anecdotal evidence. Signup and view all the answers

How does inductive reasoning contribute to psychological research?

It develops new theories from specific observations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using the scientific method in psychological research?

To construct theories that summarize and predict behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a critical thinking approach in psychology?

Evaluating evidence before forming conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the role of ethics in psychological research?

Ethics guide the treatment of participants and integrity of research. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of valid psychological theories?

They integrate principles and predict behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately contrasts deductive reasoning with inductive reasoning?

deductive reasoning relies on general principles to make predictions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common feature of pseudopsychology?

Promotion of untestable claims. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a hypothesis from a theory in psychological research?

A theory is a broad explanation; a hypothesis is a specific prediction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a false assumption in psychological research?

All psychological theories are equally valid. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Studying Psychological Research

Psychological research is important to understand how people think and behave.
Psychologists use the scientific method to investigate and gather information about human behavior.
Pseudo-psychology (pseudoscience) does not use the scientific method.
There are three main approaches to research:
- Descriptive Studies: Describe behaviors but don't explain why they occur.
- Correlational Research: Examine the relationships between variables.
- Experimental Research: The only method that can establish causation (cause and effect).
There are various types of descriptive studies:
- Case Study: A description of a single individual based on observation and psychological testing.
- Observation: Observing and recording behavior.
- Surveys: Collecting data by asking participants questions.
Case Study is useful for rare behaviours but can't be generalized to everyone or determine cause and effect.
Observational studies aim to obtain a representative sample using random sampling and avoid influencing the subject's behavior.
Naturalistic Observation: Observing organisms in their natural environment.
The Hawthorne Effect: People's behavior changes simply because they know they are being watched.
Psychological research follows a specific scientific method involving theory, hypothesis, and empirical research.
A theory is an explanation that integrates principles, organizes and predicts behaviors, or events.
A Hypothesis is a testable prediction often implied by a theory.
Researchers use variables to test hypotheses.
Independent Variable (IV): The variable being manipulated or changed by the researcher.
Dependent Variable (DV): The variable being measured or observed in response to the IV.
An operational definition is how researchers choose to measure variables, which might vary depending on the study.
In research, samples are selected from a population to be studied.
Random selection aims to pick a representative sample of the population.
Sampling bias occurs when the chosen sample does not accurately reflect the entire population.
Researchers use experimental and control groups to test the impact of the IV on the DV.
The experimental group is exposed to the manipulated variable (IV).
The control group is not exposed to the manipulated variable.
Random assignment is a method of assigning subjects to groups to ensure that each subject has an equal chance of being assigned to either the experimental or control group.
A placebo is a fake treatment used as a control in research, and receiving any treatment can have effects.
Statistical analysis is used to analyze the results of psychological research.
Inferential statistics allow researchers to draw conclusions about the data.
A p-value indicates the probability that the results of an experiment were not due to chance. A lower p-value indicates a higher likelihood that the results were influenced by the IV.
Peer review involves sharing research findings with the scientific community for evaluation and scrutiny.
Replication of research projects helps to ensure reliability and validity of findings.
Ethical guidelines are crucial in psychological research, ensuring the rights of participants.
Research Ethics Boards (REB) evaluate research to protect participants rights.
Ethical guidelines include:
- Obtaining informed consent: Participants provide permission to participate in the study after understanding its risks and benefits.
- Protecting participants from harm and discomfort.
- Confidentiality of participants' information.
- Voluntary participation.
- Transparency and debriefing - Revealing any withheld information to participants after the study is complete.
Research with non-human animals also follows ethical guidelines:
- Only justified if it contributes to understanding fundamental biological principles or knowledge that can benefit animals and humans.
- Used only when alternative samples have failed.
- Employing humane methods.
- Limiting pain and distress.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of psychological research, including the scientific method and various research approaches. Learn about descriptive studies, correlational research, and experimental methods, along with their strengths and limitations. Enhance your understanding of how psychologists gather and interpret data on human behavior.