Psychology Week 1 ECP Study Notes

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Questions and Answers

What defines psychological research as scientific?

It is focused solely on observational data.

It is based on personal opinions.

It follows the scientific method and utilizes empirical evidence. (correct)

It relies on intuition and anecdotes.

What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in psychological research?

To summarize the research findings.

To suggest a testable prediction about the outcome of an investigation. (correct)

To formulate theories based on observation.

To provide a definitive answer to a research question.

Which statement is true regarding independent and dependent variables?

The independent variable is what you measure in an experiment.

The dependent variable is what you manipulate in an experiment.

The dependent variable is unaffected by the independent variable.

The independent variable affects the dependent variable. (correct)

What does operationalising variables mean in psychological research?

Narrowing and specifying the variables more clearly. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of non-scientific ideas?

Based on empirical evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of a psychological investigation?

To outline the purpose of the investigation in a succinct manner. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study is best suited for determining cause and effect relationships?

Controlled experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of within subject's design in experiments?

Potential carryover effects can occur. Signup and view all the answers

In research terminology, what does 'controlled variables' refer to?

Variables that are kept constant to isolate effects. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the cycle of the scientific method?

It involves revising theories based on findings. Signup and view all the answers

What role do models play in psychology?

They simplify concepts to make them easier to understand. Signup and view all the answers

For a hypothesis to be considered valid, it must include which of the following?

Variables, population, and direction of effect. Signup and view all the answers

Which quality is essential for scientific ideas?

They must aim for objectivity. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential about the experimental group in a controlled experiment?

It experiences the independent variable's effects. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 1 ECP Study Notes

Psychology Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of human mental states and behavior. It employs the scientific method.

Scientific Ideas

Objective: Scientific ideas aim for objectivity.
Empirical Evidence: They utilize and generate empirical evidence (observed or experimentally derived).
Scientific Method: Formed using the scientific method.
Verifiable: Predictions, models, and theories are verifiable.

Non-Scientific Ideas

Non-Objective: Non-scientific ideas are subjective.
Un-Empirical: Based on theories, not observation.
Imprecise/Vague: Lack clarity and specificity.
Dogmatic: Not open to questioning.
Unverifiable: Cannot be proven or disproven.

Formation of Non-Scientific Ideas

Anecdotes: Based on personal stories.
Opinions: Subjective viewpoints.
Intuition: Gut feelings.
Hearsay: Information from others.

The Scientific Method

Procedure for Knowledge: A cyclical process for obtaining knowledge.
Starts with a question/theory: The method begins with an existing theory or question.
Hypothesis Creation: A testable prediction is formulated about the theory/question.
Study Design & Research: A specific study is designed to test the hypothesis. Research is conducted based on this design.
Theory Revision/Creation: Concludes with either refinement of the existing theory or a new theory.

Theories

Explanatory & Predictive: Theories explain phenomena and make predictions about cause-and-effect.
Scientifically-Based/Logical: Informed by scientific research and/or logic.

Models

Representations: Simplify and represent concepts, processes, or behaviors.
Simplified Representation: Models simplify complex information.
Theory-Based: Derived from scientific theories or ideas.

Aims

Investigation Purpose: Concise statements describing the study's purpose (one sentence).
Key Terms: Includes key terms of the topic.
Starts with "To": Begins with the word "to."
Narrow Focus: Helps narrow the scope of the investigation.

Hypotheses (I.P.A.D.)

Testable Predictions: A testable prediction about the outcome of an investigation.
Variables, Population, Direction: Must include variables, population, and a predicted direction (e.g., increase, decrease).
"It is hypothesized/predicted": Begin with this phrase.

Variables

Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated variable.
Dependent Variable (DV): Measured variable.
IV affects DV: The IV impacts the DV.

Population

Research Focus: The group being studied.

Operationalizing Variables

Specificity: Making variables more specific and clear.
Measurement/Scale: Adding measurements or scales to operationalize.

Controlled Variables

Constant Factors: Variables other than the IV/DV that are held constant.
Cause-and-Effect: Ensures changes in the DV are due solely to the IV.

Investigation Methodologies

Types of Studies: Controlled experiments, case studies, correlational studies.
Techniques: Classification, identification, fieldwork, literature reviews, modeling.

Controlled Experiments

Variable Manipulation: Design allows strict manipulation of variables.
Cause-and-Effect: Can establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Two Groups: Experimental and control groups.
Control Group: Serves as the baseline.
Expectancy Effect: Considered when creating the control group.

Within-Subjects Design

Exposure to All Conditions: Each participant experiences all experimental conditions (including control).
Strengths: Increased accuracy due to individual differences being accounted for and fewer participants needed.
Limitations: (details not provided).

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Description

This quiz focuses on the foundational concepts of psychology, differentiating scientific ideas from non-scientific ones. Dive into the crucial elements of the scientific method and understand how psychology employs empirical evidence to study human behavior. Perfect for students beginning their exploration of psychological principles.