Psychology Chapter on Variables and Hypotheses

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Questions and Answers

What is an example of a confounding variable in experimental research?

The dependent variable behavior

The independent variable itself

Sample size variations

Researcher bias (correct)

What does the experimental hypothesis predict?

The control condition will change the IV

The IV has no effect on the DV

The IV will have an effect on the DV (correct)

The DV affects the IV

What is the purpose of a control condition in an experiment?

To minimize participant bias

To compare with experimental conditions (correct)

To manipulate the independent variable

To increase participant awareness

What is meant by the term 'demand characteristics'?

Cues from the researcher about the study's purpose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the null hypothesis?

It states the IV has no effect on the DV Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an effect of the Hawthorne effect?

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

In the experiment described, what is the independent variable?

Type of music played Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable may unintentionally affect the results of an experiment?

Confounding variable Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with the sampling method used in the interviews at the local fitness center?

It may exclude voices from lower socioeconomic classes. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of people may be underrepresented in the sample from the local fitness center?

People who do not exercise at all. Signup and view all the answers

What impact may the absence of voices from lower socioeconomic classes have on the findings of the exercise motivation study?

Knowledge about the impact of socioeconomic status on exercise choices. Signup and view all the answers

How might conducting interviews at a fitness center lead to sampling bias?

It may miss perspectives of individuals who exercise elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to identify missing voices in a study's sample?

To determine how missing voices may skew the research findings. Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of not including individuals who work full time in the study?

Insights into the balance between work and exercise. Signup and view all the answers

In research about creativity tasks in people with schizophrenia, which voices may be missing that could affect results?

Individuals without schizophrenia who work in creative fields. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a biased sample in research studies?

Not representing the general population adequately. Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective method to avoid participant variability at the start of an experiment?

Random allocation into equivalent groups Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers address the testing effect in an experiment?

Use a control group and counter balance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a way to avoid instrumentation issues in research?

Standardize measurement conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is a strategy to deal with experimental mortality during a study?

Design the study to sustain participant engagement Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method is associated with qualitative research and involves selecting individuals based on specific traits?

Quota sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of sampling bias found in quantitative research?

Opportunity sampling Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon involves changes that participants naturally go through during an experiment, such as growth or fatigue?

Maturation Signup and view all the answers

Which method can help eliminate confounding variables caused by external events during an experiment?

Replication and triangulation Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a within-subjects design in experimental research?

The same group of participants is tested under different conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In a matched pairs design, participants are grouped based on what criteria?

Shared characteristics such as age or gender. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes an independent group design?

Different participants are assigned to different treatment conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a practical application of a matched pairs design?

Assessing weight loss by pairing individuals based on gender and age. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of experimental design, what is the primary goal of a null hypothesis?

To assert that there is no significant effect of the treatment. Signup and view all the answers

How are participants selected for a repeated measures design?

They are the same individuals tested across multiple conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of a between-subjects design?

Different participants are tested for different conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between matched pairs design and independent groups design?

Matched pairs participants are aligned by shared characteristics, while independent groups are not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of theoretical sampling?

To develop a theory as data is collected and analyzed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes convenience sampling?

Choosing participants who are readily available and willing to participate Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to control extraneous variables in an experiment?

To maintain the study's internal validity Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of unmeasured extraneous variables in a study?

Compromise of the internal validity of the study Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of reliability in research?

Consistency of results across multiple tests Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines validity in a study?

The degree to which the test measures what it intends to measure Signup and view all the answers

What is participant bias often referred to as?

Demand characteristics Signup and view all the answers

In a study where music's effect on memory recall is tested, what is a potential confounding variable?

The native language proficiency of participants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Operationalizing Variables

Clearly define and measure variables to avoid ambiguity when testing relationships.
Use specific examples: DP 2 students who don't meet deadlines often binge eat.

Confounding Variables

Variables other than the independent variable (IV) that could influence the dependent variable (DV) and affect results.
Types of confounding variables:
- Experimenter bias: Researcher unintentionally influences participants to support their hypothesis.
- Demand characteristics: Participants may behave differently because they know they're being observed or understand the study's purpose.
- Hawthorne effect: Participants change their behavior simply because they're aware of being observed.

Hypothesis Formulation

Experimental/alternative hypothesis: Predicts the IV will have an effect on the DV.
Null hypothesis: Predicts the IV will have no effect on the DV, or any change is due to chance.
Example: Listening to loud dissonant rock music will decrease adolescent girls' ability to recall words from a list.

Sampling Bias

Samples that don't represent the whole population can lead to biased results.
Example: Studying exercise motivation at a fitness center may overrepresent middle/upper class individuals and underrepresent people who don't exercise, those in lower socioeconomic classes, or those who do other sports.
Identifying missing voices and their potential impact on findings is crucial for critical thinking.

Research Designs

Within-subjects design (repeated measures): Same participants tested under different conditions.
Matched pairs design: Different participants matched based on characteristics and then tested under different conditions.
Independent group design: Different participants tested under different conditions.

Matched Pairs Design

Used when there are two treatment conditions.
Participants are grouped into pairs based on a matching variable (e.g., age, gender).
Within each pair, one participant is randomly assigned to each treatment condition.

Internal Validity Threats

Factors that could compromise the accuracy of an experiment's conclusions.
Selection (participant variability): Groups are not equivalent at the start of the experiment, and this difference affects the IV-DV relationship.
Testing effect: The first measurement of the DV affects the second measurement.
Instrumentation: The instrument used to measure the DV changes between measurements.
History: Outside events happen to the participants during the experiment.
Maturation: Participants naturally change over time during the experiment.
Experimental mortality: Participants drop out of the experiment at different rates in different groups.

Sampling Bias Types

Quantitative Research:
- Stratified random: Population divided into subgroups, then randomly sampling from each subgroup.
- Self-selected: Participants choose to participate in the study.
- Opportunity: Participants are chosen based on their convenience and availability.
Qualitative Research:
- Purposive: Participants are chosen based on specific characteristics relevant to the research question.
- Quota: Participants are selected based on pre-defined proportions for different groups.
- Snowball: Participants recommend other participants to be included in the study.
- Theoretical: Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously, where the researcher continuously refines the research question and data collection process.
- Convenience: Participants are chosen because they are readily available.

Reliability and Validity

Reliability: Consistency of measurement.
Validity: Whether the test accurately measures what it's supposed to measure

Limitations of Experiments

Extraneous variables (confounding variables): Uncontrolled variables that influence the results of the experiment. Example: In a study on music and memory, differences in native language fluency could be a confounding variable.
Methodological considerations: Issues with the design and procedure of the experiment can affect the results. This includes participant bias, where participants act or respond differently because they know they’re being observed or understand the study's purpose.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of operationalizing variables, identifying confounding factors, and formulating hypotheses in psychological research. This quiz will help clarify concepts such as the impact of experimenter bias and the importance of null and alternative hypotheses, using relevant examples to illustrate these ideas. Test your knowledge and understanding of these fundamental research principles.