Psychology Chapter 9 Flashcards

Study Notes

Dependent Variables

Three types of dependent variables: self-report, behavioral, and physiological.

Selecting Research Participants

Probability sampling: Essential for accurately describing a population, maintains randomness.
Nonprobability sampling: Used for detecting causal relationships rather than describing populations; based on the researcher's judgment, not random.
Sampling methods must ensure external validity for generalization to different populations.

Sample Size Determination

Larger samples yield more accurate estimates of population values, enhancing reliability of results.

Manipulating the Independent Variable

Operational definitions are crucial to convert conceptual variables into actionable instructions and stimuli for participants.
Experimenters change conditions to observe potential causal effects.

Setting the Stage for Research

Participants must receive essential information for informed consent, often including a rationale for the study; typically, the true hypothesis is not revealed.

Types of Manipulations

Straightforward manipulations: Simple adjustments using written, verbal, or visual material. These include instructions and various stimulus presentations.
Staged manipulations: Events are orchestrated to elicit psychological states or simulate real-world situations. Commonly used to provoke specific emotional responses from participants.

Strength of the Manipulation

Strong manipulations create significant differences between participant groups, increasing the likelihood of detecting statistically significant effects.

Cost Considerations of Manipulation

Financial limitations may affect the complexity of manipulations. Simpler presentations (written or verbal) are less costly than elaborate staged setups.
Individual participant run scenarios require more time and resources compared to group settings.

Sensitivity of the Dependent Variable

Sensitivity affected by ceiling and floor effects, impacting the ability to measure true differences.

Ceiling Effect

Occurs when a dependent variable reaches maximum performance level, rendering the independent variable ineffective. For example, using overly easy math questions to assess intelligence can invalidate results.

Floor Effect

Happens when a task's difficulty prevents participants from performing adequately, leading to an inability to detect differences. This can occur in sensitive measures, like suicide risk, where responses may be sparse.

Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts from Psychology Chapter 9 with these flashcards. This quiz covers dependent variables and various sampling methods for research participants. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding in preparation for exams.