Questions and Answers
Which of the following is most likely to inhibit critical thinking?
Which of the following questions most likely could be answered using an empirical approach?
Hypotheses are best described as:
Which technique involves repeating the essence of an earlier research study with different participants and in different circumstances?
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In 1953, H.M. underwent surgery to control his seizures. Which research method did psychologists utilize in this situation?
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The biggest danger of relying on case-study evidence is that it:
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Which procedure helps to ensure that the participants in a survey are representative of a larger population?
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Professor Ober carefully observes and records the behaviors of children in their classrooms in order to track their development. What is he most clearly engaged in?
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Correlational research is most useful for purposes of:
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A correlation coefficient is a measure of the:
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Which of the following correlations between self-esteem and body weight would enable you to most accurately predict body weight from the knowledge of self-esteem?
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Which of the following correlation coefficients expresses the weakest degree of relationship between two variables?
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Redelmier and Tversky (1996) followed 18 patients with arthritis. Nearly all believed their condition was associated with weather changes. Participants need to be reminded that:
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In a test of the effects of sleep deprivation on problem-solving skills, this research is an example of:
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To assess the effects of televised violence on aggression, researchers should make use of:
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Knowing the difference between an experimental condition and a control condition is most relevant to understanding the nature of:
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In a group of 5 individuals, the mode of this group's distribution of annual incomes is:
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During the past year, the median number of books read by these individuals was:
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The most commonly reported measure of central tendency is the:
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Dr. DeVries may not be able to generalize his findings because:
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Why are researchers careful to use large, representative samples in their studies?
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A researcher who gathers and analyzes data from student essay test responses without talking with the students violates which ethical principle of human experimentation?
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A researcher who publishes the results of a case study might be most worried about violating which ethical principle of human experimentation?
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Professor Ambra was skeptical about the accuracy of recently reported research on sleep deprivation. Which process would best enable her to assess the reliability of these findings?
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An extensive survey revealed that children with relatively high self-esteem tend to perceive God as kind and loving, whereas those with lower self-esteem see God as angry. This conclusion best illustrates the danger of:
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According to Emily's grandfather, Adolf Hitler's emotional instability made it clear that Germany would inevitably lose World War II. His claim best illustrates:
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Basing decisions or conclusions on observable evidence describes which of the following?
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A questioning attitude regarding psychologists' assumptions and hidden values best illustrates:
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Study Notes
Critical Thinking and Research Methods
- Overconfidence is a barrier to critical thinking.
- Empirical approaches are suitable for questions about causation, such as "What causes aggression?"
- Hypotheses are predictions that can be tested through research.
- Replication involves repeating studies with different participants and contexts to verify findings.
Case Studies and Observational Research
- H.M.'s case study highlighted the connection between the hippocampus and memory.
- Case studies may yield results that are not representative of broader populations.
- Naturalistic observation is used to study behavior in real-life settings, as done by Professor Ober with children.
Correlational Research and Its Applications
- Correlational research is primarily useful for making predictions about relationships between variables.
- A correlation coefficient quantitatively measures the direction and strength of relationships, with higher absolute values indicating stronger correlations.
- Memory biases, such as the belief in a correlation between weather changes and health conditions, often arise from confirmation bias.
Experimental Design
- Experiments help establish cause-and-effect relationships, like the impact of sleep deprivation on problem-solving skills.
- Random assignment ensures equal distribution of characteristics among different experimental groups to enhance study validity.
- Understanding independent variables is crucial in differentiating between experimental and control conditions.
Statistics and Data Interpretation
- The mode represents the most frequently occurring value in a dataset, while the median is the middle value when data is ordered.
- The mean is the most commonly reported measure of central tendency.
- Reliable results often come from larger, representative samples to ensure valid conclusions.
Ethical Considerations in Research
- Informed consent is vital, ensuring participants understand the study before agreeing to participate.
- Researchers must uphold confidentiality, particularly when publishing case studies.
- Replication is important for assessing the reliability of research findings.
Biases in Research Interpretation
- Hindsight bias leads to the belief that past events were predictable, while believing that correlation implies causation is a common error.
- Critical thinking is characterized by questioning assumptions and examining hidden values in research studies.
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Description
Prepare for your Psychology midterm with these flashcards focusing on Unit 2 concepts. This review covers critical thinking inhibitors, empirical approaches, and related themes to enhance your understanding and retention. Ideal for students looking to strengthen their grasp of psychological principles.
