Psychology Exam Revision Unit 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of a controlled variable in research?

It is the outcome measured in the experiment

It changes during the experiment

It is randomly assigned

It remains constant to avoid influencing results (correct)

What is the main advantage of using a between-subjects design?

Reduces participant variability

Requires fewer participants overall

Eliminates order effects (correct)

Allows for repetition of trials for accuracy

In the context of psychological research, what does operationalizing a variable mean?

Identifying the independent variable in the study

Determining the outcome of the experiment

Specifying how the variable will be manipulated and measured (correct)

Redefining the hypothesis for clarity

What defines a mixed design in experimental research?

The study compares multiple independent variables both within and between subjects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is a key disadvantage of controlled experiments?

They can sometimes be unethical Signup and view all the answers

What is most likely to be the first step when answering an exam question?

Looking at the marks available for the question Signup and view all the answers

In psychological research, what is a hypothesis?

A testable prediction about the relationship between two variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a within-subjects design?

The same participants experience all conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental difference between behaviour and mental processes in psychology?

Behaviour refers to observable actions, while mental processes are internal actions that occur in the mind. Signup and view all the answers

Why is operationalising a variable important in psychological research?

Operationalising a variable allows researchers to define and measure how it will be manipulated or assessed in a study. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a key advantage of using a within-subjects design in experiments.

A key advantage is the control for individual differences, as the same participants are used across different conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might a controlled experiment be considered ethically irresponsible?

A controlled experiment may be deemed unethical if it causes emotional distress, such as studying grief. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a hypothesis in psychological research?

A hypothesis serves as a testable prediction regarding the relationship between two variables. Signup and view all the answers

Identify a disadvantage of between-subjects design in experimental research.

A disadvantage is the need for a larger number of participants, which can be resource-intensive. Signup and view all the answers

Outline a trend that can be important in the analysis of psychological data.

Identifying numerical trends, such as increasing or decreasing patterns, helps in drawing conclusions about relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What does a mixed design allow researchers to do in psychological studies?

A mixed design enables researchers to compare both between and within subjects, incorporating multiple independent variables. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychology Exam Revision Unit 2

How to answer an exam question:
- Look at the marks allocated.
- Highlight key terms and command terms.
- If a scenario is present, refer to it specifically (e.g., use names).
- Define key terms before explanations.
- Identify trends in the data.
Key Science Skills (CH1):
- Use numerical data in explanations.
Psychology Definition:
- The scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes.
Mental Processes:
- Series of actions occurring in the mind (e.g., thinking).
Behaviour:
- Actions that can be observed and measured (e.g., whistling).
Aim:
- Statement outlining the purpose of an investigation.
Hypothesis:
- Testable prediction of the relationship between variables.
Controlled Variable:
- Variable kept constant to eliminate effects on the dependent variable.
Operationalising:
- Defining how a variable will be measured and changed in a research setting.
Research Methodology:
- Techniques, processes, and types of studies used to understand psychological phenomena.

Experimental Design

Controlled Experiment:
- Investigates the causal relationship between two variables.
- Advantages: examines cause-effect relationships.
- Disadvantages: some experiments may be ethically or practically challenging (e.g., studying grief).
Between-Subjects Design:
- Participants assigned to either an experimental or control group.
- Advantages: reduces order effects.
- Disadvantages: requires more participants than within-subjects designs and participants may differ.
Within-Subjects Design:
- Participants complete both control and experimental conditions.
- Advantages: eliminates order effects, needs fewer participants.
- Disadvantages: potential order effects.
Mixed Design:
- Combines between- and within-subjects approaches.
- Advantages: allows comparison between and within participants.
- Disadvantages: more time-consuming and resource-intensive.

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Description

Prepare for your psychology exam with this comprehensive revision quiz focused on Unit 2. It covers key concepts such as mental processes, behavior, crucial strategies for answering exam questions, and the importance of defining hypotheses. Strengthen your understanding of the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.