Psychology Research Methods Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of descriptive research?

  • Addressing who, what, where, and when (correct)
  • Analyzing historical records
  • Testing hypotheses through experiments
  • Investigating cause-and-effect relationships

    • Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

  • Experiment
  • Analysis
  • Observation
  • Case Study (correct)

    • In the context of psychological research, what is a key characteristic of case studies?

  • They often include self-reports and interviews. (correct)
  • They focus on large sample sizes.
  • They rely solely on quantitative data.
  • They are exclusively experimental in nature.

    • Why is it important to distinguish correlation from causation in research?

    <p>To avoid misleading interpretations of research findings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research method is most likely to be classified as descriptive?

    <p>Surveys about public opinion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does heart rate variability (HRV) primarily reflect in the body?

    <p>The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method focuses on observing subjects without manipulating variables?

    <p>Naturalistic observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary advantage of participant observation in research?

    <p>Provides insights into behavior in real-world contexts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the galvanic skin response (GSR) measure?

    <p>Electrical conductance related to emotional responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation might ethical considerations be particularly significant?

    <p>When manipulating variables in a study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is internal validity generally affected in observational studies compared to experimental designs?

    <p>It is generally lower in observational studies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does heat rate variability (HRV) specifically measure?

    <p>Time variation between heartbeats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common research design for data collection mentioned?

    <p>Randomized Control Trial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of cross-sectional studies?

    <p>They provide a snapshot of a population at a specific time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a panel study?

    <p>It involves data collection from the same subjects over multiple time points.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a subtype of cross-sectional study?

    <p>Longitudinal cross-sectional studies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The significance of cross-sectional studies includes all the following EXCEPT:

    <p>They allow researchers to assess changes in the same subjects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect does internal validity examine?

    <p>The causal relationship between two variables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Campbell's identification of threats to validity, which of the following is mentioned?

    <p>Instrumentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common application of findings from prospective studies?

    <p>To inform public health policies and clinical practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding external validity?

    <p>It assesses whether results can be generalized to other populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key consideration in selecting study participants for research?

    <p>Relevance to the research objectives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be disclosed to participants during the informed consent process?

    <p>Study's purpose, risks, and benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of study involves testing medical treatments or interventions?

    <p>Clinical trials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of research is data collected without intervention?

    <p>Observational studies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of informed consent in research?

    <p>To inform participants about the study and their rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT typically disclosed during the informed consent process?

    <p>The researcher’s funding sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should participants be informed about regarding their participation in the study?

    <p>They can withdraw without penalty at any time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes observational studies?

    <p>They observe natural behaviors without interference</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)?

    <p>To set care and treatment standards for animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) play in animal research?

    <p>They oversee compliance and ethical treatment of animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of third variable explains the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

    <p>Mediator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 3Rs framework primarily aim to achieve?

    <p>Promote the ethical treatment of animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the focus of translational research?

    <p>Bridging the gap between laboratory science and clinical medicine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which animal is NOT commonly used in animal studies?

    <p>Elephants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required to ensure accurate data collection in animal studies?

    <p>Ensure that observations are valid and reliable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key responsibility of researchers during a study involving animals?

    <p>To immediately address signs of suffering in animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of animal research, what is 'Baseline Health Monitoring' primarily focused on?

    <p>Ensuring animals are healthy and disease-free</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a suppressor variable?

    <p>A variable that masks the relationship between independent and dependent variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of conducting toxicology studies?

    <p>To examine how poisons affect living organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research primarily seeks to gain broad biological insights rather than immediate applications?

    <p>Basic research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is NOT part of the housing and care standards for research animals?

    <p>Limiting social interactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Biological Research

    • Scientific study of psychology
    • Studies the brain and nervous system

    3 Main Types of Psychological Research

    • Descriptive Research
    • Observational Research
    • Experimental Research

    Standards of the Scientific Method

    • Observation
    • Question
    • Hypothesis
    • Experiment
    • Analysis

    Heat Rate Variability (HRV)

    • Measures the time variation between heartbeats, reflecting autonomic nervous system's regulation of heart function
    • Indicates the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
    • Measured using sensors or wearable devices

    Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)

    • Measures changes in skin conductance due to sweat gland activity
    • Reflects arousal and emotional responses

    Descriptive Research

    • Focuses on the present
    • Has no hypotheses
    • Addresses who, what, where, and when
    • Often objective and quantitative

    Conducting Descriptive Research

    • Surveys
    • Observations
    • Case studies

    Case Studies

    • Conducted through interviews, self-reports
    • Often focus on individuals with unique conditions like Schizophrenia
    • Examines physiological responses

    Common Research Designs and Data Collection Methods

    • Observational
    • Quasi-Experimental
    • Self-Inventory
    • Survey
    • Twin Study

    Observational Study

    • Researcher observes and records behavior, events, or phenomena without manipulating or controlling variables
    • Allows researchers to study subjects in their natural environment or a structured setting
    • Goal: Understand behaviors or interactions as they occur naturally

    Participant Observation

    • Researcher becomes actively involved in the group or situation they are studying
    • Can be overt (participants are aware) or covert (participants are unaware)

    Naturalistic Observation

    • Researcher actively engages in the group or situation studied
    • They identify and quantify disease risk factors, aiding in prevention strategies

    Policy and Practice

    • Findings from prospective studies inform public health policies and clinical practices, contributing to better health outcomes

    Cross-Sectional Study

    • Type of observational research that analyzes information about a population at a specific point in time
    • Measures the prevalence of an outcome of interest

    Significance of Cross-Sectional Studies

    • Provides a snapshot of a population
    • Useful for public health
    • Efficient and cost-effective
    • Helps identify associations
    • Baseline for further research

    Subtypes of Cross-Sectional Studies

    • Descriptive cross-sectional studies
    • Analytical cross-sectional studies

    Panel Study

    • Type of longitudinal research collecting data from the same group or "panel" at multiple points in time
    • Allows researchers to observe changes and trends within the same subjects
    • Provides insights into behaviors, opinions, and other variables

    Third Variable

    • Can influence the relationship between independent and dependent variables in a study
    • Introduces bias or masks the true relationship

    Types of Third Variables

    • Mediator
    • Moderator
    • Suppressor

    Analysis of Non-Experimental Designs

    • Multiple Regression

    Multiple Regression

    • Statistical technique that predicts a dependent variable based on multiple independent variables
    • Useful for examining the relative importance of different predictors in explaining an outcome

    Translational Research

    • Combines laboratory science and clinical medicine to develop novel therapeutics to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease

    Toxicology Studies

    • Studies how natural or man-made poisons cause undesirable effects in living organisms

    Behavioral Studies

    • Studies observe animal behavior to understand psychological phenomena applicable to humans

    Common Species Used in Animal Study

    • Mice (Mus musculus)
    • Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
    • Fish
    • Birds
    • Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)
    • Rabbits
    • Nonhuman primates
    • Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
    • Cats (Felis catus)
    • Clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)

    Conducting Animal Research

    • Animal studies are governed by strict guidelines to ensure ethical treatment of animals and the integrity of the study

    Planning and Approval Process

    • Proposal Development
    • Informed Consent
    • Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC)

    Proposal Development

    • Outlines the study’s objectives, methodology, and justification for using animals
    • Process of informing potential research participants about a study
    • Communication can be face-to-face, via mail, phone, video, or fax
    • Participants should have ample opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification, freely decide whether to enroll or withdraw, and ensure all critical study information is disclosed and understood for informed choices

    Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC)

    • Oversee animal research in universities and laboratories
    • Review research proposals
    • Ensure minimization of pain and distress
    • Monitor animal care
    • Provide education
    • Report non-compliance

    3Rs Framework

    • Replacement
    • Reduction
    • Refinement

    Replacement

    • Encourages finding alternatives to animal testing

    Reduction

    • Focuses on minimizing the number of animals used

    Refinement

    • Aims to enhance animal welfare by refining procedures to minimize pain, suffering, and distress

    Types of Animal Study Research

    • Basic Research
    • Translational Research
    • Toxicology studies
    • Behavioral Studies
    • Regulatory Compliance

    Basic Research

    • Aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of biological processes without immediate practical applications

    Translational Research

    • Evaluates potential harm and whether the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) are considered

    Regulatory Compliance

    • Ensures compliance with national and international animal welfare laws, like the AWA

    Implementation of the Study

    • Housing and care for animals must meet strict standards to promote their wellbeing, including: adequate space, environment enrichment, health monitoring, monitoring and reporting

    Observation During the Study

    • Animals must be regularly monitored for signs of distress, illness, or pain to ensure humane treatment
    • Address any sign of suffering immediately

    Accurate Data Collection

    • Observations help ensure data is valid and reliable

    Reporting of Events

    • Unexpected outcomes including injury, illness, or death of animals must be reported to oversight bodies

    Types of Human Subject Research

    • Clinical trials
    • Observational Studies

    Clinical Trials

    • Research studies test medical, surgical, or behavioral interventions in people
    • Essential for determining if new treatments or preventions (e.g., drugs, diets, medical devices like pacemakers) are safe and effective

    Observational Studies

    • Used to answer a research question by observing natural behaviors or events without manipulating any variables
    • Researchers collect data without intervention

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    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of psychological research methods, including descriptive, observational, and experimental research techniques. Additionally, it explores physiological measures such as heat rate variability and galvanic skin response, emphasizing the importance of the scientific method. Test your knowledge on these essential concepts in psychology research.

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