Psychology Chapter 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the empirical approach in research?

An approach based purely on mathematical modeling

An approach using direct and indirect observations or experiences (correct)

An approach relying solely on literature reviews

An approach using only theoretical speculation

What is peer review?

A method for gathering data

A process for publishing research without evaluations

A form of statistical analysis

A process by which other scientific experts evaluate research quality (correct)

What is a hypothesis?

An educated prediction that provides a testable explanation of a phenomenon

Define scientific law.

A statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes some aspect of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is a scientific theory?

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world confirmed through repeated observation and experimentation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Occam's Razor refer to?

The principle of cutting away unnecessary assumptions in hypothesis development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Barnum Effect?

The tendency of people to believe that general descriptions of their personality are highly accurate. Signup and view all the answers

Define variables in research.

Elements that you expect to change or vary, or that can have several different values. Signup and view all the answers

What is a constant in research?

A factor that does not change and remains consistent. Signup and view all the answers

What does a conceptual definition entail?

Defining a variable in theoretical terms. Signup and view all the answers

What is an operational definition?

Determining how you will use variables in your study. Signup and view all the answers

Define experimental design.

A research method in which the experimenter controls and manipulates the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent variable (IV)?

The variable that influences the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable (DV)?

The variable measured in association with changes in the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is nonexperimental design?

A design in which there is no control or manipulation of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is an explanatory variable?

A potential causal variable in nonexperimental designs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a criterion variable?

The outcome variable in nonexperimental designs. Signup and view all the answers

Define levels in research.

Different variations of the independent variable determined by the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

What is a between-subjects design?

A data collection method in which each participant is only assessed on the dependent variable once. Signup and view all the answers

What does within-subjects design refer to?

A data collection method in which each participant is assessed on the dependent variable more than once. Signup and view all the answers

What is longitudinal design?

The collection of data on participants over a set period of time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a research protocol?

A detailed series of steps that guides the researcher in conducting a study. Signup and view all the answers

What is a script in research?

A written set of instructions that the researcher reads to the participant during data collection. Signup and view all the answers

Define informed consent.

A process where participants learn about the study's expectations, risks, and benefits before choosing to participate. Signup and view all the answers

What is debriefing in research?

The explanation of the study's purpose and any deception used; it allows participants to ask questions after the study. Signup and view all the answers

What is data in the context of research?

Distinct pieces of information. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Design Key Concepts

Empirical: Approach utilizing direct and indirect observations to test research questions.
Peer Review: Evaluation of research quality by scientific experts before publication.
Hypothesis: Educated prediction providing a testable explanation for a phenomenon.
Scientific Law: Statement based on repeated observations describing aspects of the world.
Scientific Theory: Well-substantiated explanation validated through repetitive observation and experimentation.

Important Principles

Occam's Razor: Philosophical principle emphasizing simplicity in hypothesis development; associated with William of Ockham.
Barnum Effect: Psychological tendency for individuals to accept vague personality descriptions as personally meaningful.

Variables and Definitions

Variables: Elements that can change or vary within an experiment.
Constant: A factor that remains unaltered throughout the study.
Conceptual Definition: Theoretical explanation of a variable.
Operational Definition: Specification of how variables will be applied in a study.

Experimental Design

Experimental Design: Method where the independent variable is manipulated to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is manipulated or controlled; affects the dependent variable.
Dependent Variable (DV): The measured outcome influenced by changes in the independent variable.
Nonexperimental Design: Involves no manipulation of the independent variable; implies correlational relationships.

Design Models

Explanatory Variable: Potential causal factor in nonexperimental designs.
Criterion Variable: Outcome measured in nonexperimental setups.
Levels: Distinct variations of the independent variable established by the researcher.
Between-Subjects Design: Each participant is assessed on the dependent variable only once.
Within-Subjects Design: Participants are evaluated on the dependent variable multiple times.

Longitudinal and Research Procedures

Longitudinal Design: Research method collecting data from participants over time.
Research Protocol: Step-by-step guide outlining the order of study administration and researcher instructions.
Script: Written instructions read by the researcher during data collection.

Ethical Considerations

Informed Consent: Ethical procedure ensuring participants understand study expectations and risks before agreeing to participate.
Debriefing: Post-study procedure explaining the study’s purpose, any deception used, and allowing questions from participants.

Additional Concepts

Data: Individual pieces of information used in research.
Research Poster: Visual presentation of research findings designed for academic or public display.

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Test your knowledge of key terms from Chapter 2: Research Design in Psychology. This quiz covers essential concepts such as empirical approaches, peer review processes, and hypotheses. Enhance your understanding of research methodologies in psychology.