Questions and Answers
What is the case study method in research?
a single individual is studied in great depth
In which type of research is a representative random sample of people asked to answer questions about their behaviors or attitudes?
What does it mean when it states that conservatives are more likely than liberals to perceive high levels of popular support for conservative views?
false consensus effect
People often fail to make accurate generalizations because they are unduly influenced by ________ cases.
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What technique did Ariana employ to assess reactions to a proposed tuition hike?
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In a survey, psychologists select a random sample of research participants to ensure that what?
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What scientific procedure helps survey researchers avoid false generalizations?
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What value should Governor Donovan be alerted to in the context of his overconfidence about the election?
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What type of research would researchers use to determine if there is a relationship between self-esteem and income levels?
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If the correlation between physical weight and reading ability of students is +0.85, what does that indicate?
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Which correlation would most accurately predict body weight from level of self-esteem?
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What does illusory correlation refer to?
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What does Adelle's conclusion about dreams predicting future events illustrate?
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Study Notes
Research Methods in Psychology
- Case Study: Involves an in-depth study of a single individual, allowing detailed insights.
- Survey: A method where a representative random sample of people responds to questions about behaviors or attitudes.
Cognitive Biases
- False Consensus Effect: Conservatives perceive greater popular support for their views than actually exists, exemplifying a cognitive bias.
- Illusory Correlation: The false belief that a relationship exists between two variables when it does not, such as in dreams predicting future events.
Influences on Generalization
- Vivid cases can distort generalizations, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
Sampling Techniques
- Random Sampling: Ensures participants represent the population of interest, fundamental in avoiding biased results.
- Effective in survey research and crucial for drawing valid conclusions.
Correlation and Research
- Correlational Research: Used to explore relationships between variables, such as self-esteem and income or body weight and reading ability. A strong positive correlation (+0.85) indicates a relationship in which increased weight is associated with better reading ability.
Statistical Insights
- A correlation of +0.60 between self-esteem and body weight allows accurate predictions of body weight from self-esteem levels.
- Not all correlations indicate causation, emphasizing the importance of analysis in research findings.
Common Errors and Misconceptions
- Overconfidence, like Governor Donovan’s, can arise from observational bias, highlighting the need for random sampling to validate conclusions.
- Misinterpretations can lead to beliefs in non-existent relationships, as seen in illusory correlation examples.
Key Terms Summary
- Critical Thinking: A necessary skill to evaluate claims and distinguish genuine correlations from illusory ones.
- Naturalistic Observation: Observations made in natural settings without manipulation, complementing other methods.
- Random Assignment: Used to equally distribute participants across conditions in experiments, distinct from random sampling.
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Test your knowledge of key psychology research methods with these flashcards. Focus on the details of case studies and other research approaches used in psychology. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of research methodologies.
