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Questions and Answers
What is the first core principle of research involving human participants according to the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS)?
What is the first core principle of research involving human participants according to the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS)?
What does 'concern for welfare' imply in the context of research ethics?
What does 'concern for welfare' imply in the context of research ethics?
Which of the following is NOT a rule governing the conduct of psychological research?
Which of the following is NOT a rule governing the conduct of psychological research?
Which of the following is a key ethical principle related to the use of animals in research?
Which of the following is a key ethical principle related to the use of animals in research?
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In the context of ethical research practices, what does 'deception' refer to?
In the context of ethical research practices, what does 'deception' refer to?
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What is the ethical principle that dictates sharing research data with other researchers?
What is the ethical principle that dictates sharing research data with other researchers?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of the '3 Rs' for ethical animal research?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the '3 Rs' for ethical animal research?
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Which ethical principle emphasizes the fairness and impartiality in distributing benefits and risks in research?
Which ethical principle emphasizes the fairness and impartiality in distributing benefits and risks in research?
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What does variability measure in a distribution?
What does variability measure in a distribution?
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What is the formula for calculating the range in a frequency distribution?
What is the formula for calculating the range in a frequency distribution?
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Which of the following best describes the standard deviation?
Which of the following best describes the standard deviation?
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What does correlation indicate in the context of variable relationships?
What does correlation indicate in the context of variable relationships?
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In research, what is a variable defined as?
In research, what is a variable defined as?
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What is a frequency distribution?
What is a frequency distribution?
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Which of the following describes a normal distribution?
Which of the following describes a normal distribution?
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What are descriptive statistics designed to provide?
What are descriptive statistics designed to provide?
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Which of the following is NOT a measure of central tendency?
Which of the following is NOT a measure of central tendency?
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What can a skewed distribution indicate?
What can a skewed distribution indicate?
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What best describes a sample in research psychology?
What best describes a sample in research psychology?
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What is the primary limitation of everyday observation?
What is the primary limitation of everyday observation?
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What does the mode represent in a dataset?
What does the mode represent in a dataset?
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What does an operational definition specifically describe?
What does an operational definition specifically describe?
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How do graphic representations aid in data analysis?
How do graphic representations aid in data analysis?
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Which of the following is NOT a key feature of a good operational definition?
Which of the following is NOT a key feature of a good operational definition?
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What best defines reliability in measurement?
What best defines reliability in measurement?
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What is power in the context of measurement?
What is power in the context of measurement?
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Why might judges in ice dancing be considered reliable in their ratings?
Why might judges in ice dancing be considered reliable in their ratings?
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In the example of Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake's race times, why is measurement power important?
In the example of Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake's race times, why is measurement power important?
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What are the two steps in the measurement of a property?
What are the two steps in the measurement of a property?
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What does internal validity in an experiment allow researchers to establish?
What does internal validity in an experiment allow researchers to establish?
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Which sampling technique guarantees that every member of a population has an equal chance of being included?
Which sampling technique guarantees that every member of a population has an equal chance of being included?
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In psychological research, when is nonrandom sampling considered acceptable?
In psychological research, when is nonrandom sampling considered acceptable?
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What is replication in the context of psychological experiments?
What is replication in the context of psychological experiments?
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What is a Type I error in psychological research?
What is a Type I error in psychological research?
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What statement about the case method in research is true?
What statement about the case method in research is true?
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Why might generalizing from a sample to a population sometimes be valid?
Why might generalizing from a sample to a population sometimes be valid?
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Which aspect of validity refers to how well a study's findings can be applied to other settings or populations?
Which aspect of validity refers to how well a study's findings can be applied to other settings or populations?
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What does a positive correlation indicate?
What does a positive correlation indicate?
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What is the range of the correlation coefficient (r)?
What is the range of the correlation coefficient (r)?
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Which of the following scenarios represents a case of the third-variable problem?
Which of the following scenarios represents a case of the third-variable problem?
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When correlation coefficients are close to 1 or -1, what can be inferred about the correlation?
When correlation coefficients are close to 1 or -1, what can be inferred about the correlation?
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What does a correlation of 0 indicate?
What does a correlation of 0 indicate?
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Which of the following statements is an example of a negative correlation?
Which of the following statements is an example of a negative correlation?
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Which of the following accurately describes natural correlations?
Which of the following accurately describes natural correlations?
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Which of these explains the relationship between X and Y when X causes Y?
Which of these explains the relationship between X and Y when X causes Y?
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Flashcards
Variability
Variability
The extent to which measurements differ; indicates spread.
Range
Range
Difference between the largest and smallest values in a distribution.
Standard Deviation
Standard Deviation
Describes the average difference between measurements and the mean.
Correlation
Correlation
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Variable
Variable
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Methods of Observation
Methods of Observation
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Limitations of Everyday Observation
Limitations of Everyday Observation
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Measurement in Psychology
Measurement in Psychology
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Operational Definition
Operational Definition
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Construct Validity
Construct Validity
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Reliability in Measurement
Reliability in Measurement
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Power in Measurement
Power in Measurement
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Example of Reliability
Example of Reliability
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Population
Population
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Sample
Sample
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Descriptive Statistics
Descriptive Statistics
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Frequency Distribution
Frequency Distribution
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Normal Distribution
Normal Distribution
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Central Tendency
Central Tendency
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Mode
Mode
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Median
Median
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Internal validity
Internal validity
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External validity
External validity
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Case method
Case method
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Random sampling
Random sampling
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Nonrandom sampling
Nonrandom sampling
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Replication
Replication
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Type I error
Type I error
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Generalization
Generalization
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Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS)
Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS)
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Informed consent
Informed consent
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Freedom from coercion
Freedom from coercion
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Protection from harm
Protection from harm
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Risk-benefit analysis
Risk-benefit analysis
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Deception in research
Deception in research
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Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)
Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)
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Replacement, Reduction, Refinement
Replacement, Reduction, Refinement
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Positive Correlation
Positive Correlation
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Negative Correlation
Negative Correlation
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Correlation Coefficient (r)
Correlation Coefficient (r)
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Perfect Correlation
Perfect Correlation
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Third-variable Problem
Third-variable Problem
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Natural Correlation
Natural Correlation
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Causes of Correlation
Causes of Correlation
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Study Notes
Chapter 2: Methods in Psychology
- This chapter outlines methods used in psychology, including empiricism, observation methods, explanation methods, critical thinking, and ethics.
Empiricism
- Scientific method: A set of principles guiding the appropriate relationship between ideas and empirical evidence.
- Empiricism: The belief that accurate knowledge is gained through observation, a crucial component of the scientific method.
- Dogmatism: The tendency to cling to one's beliefs. Euclid and Ptolemy's view on vision contrasted with al-Haytham's perspective.
The Scientific Method
- Procedure: Employing empirical evidence to establish facts.
- Theory: An explanation of a natural phenomenon; it cannot be definitively proven correct.
- Hypothesis: A testable prediction generated from a theory.
The Art of Looking
- Empirical method: Set of rules and techniques for observation.
- Observation difficulties: People's complexity, variability, and reactivity make them challenging to study.
- Kinds of methods: Methods for observation and explanation are categorized. The Muybridge photographs are an illustration. Examples include methods of observation and explanation.
Methods of Observation
- Observation: Using one's senses to learn about events and objects.
- Everyday observation limitations: Inconsistent and incomplete observations.
- Scientific techniques for accurate observation: Measurement and description are examples of methods for overcoming limitations of everyday observation.
What to Measure and How
- Operational definition: A description of a property in measurable terms.
- Construct validity: A measure of how well a thing being measured represents the property being studied.
- Reliability: A measure's consistency when measuring the same thing.
- Power: A measure's ability to detect conditions specified in its operational definition; key features are reliability and power for good detectors and instruments in measurement.
- Measurement Steps: Define the property, and then detect the property through the use of a reliable and powerful instrument for the property
Power and Reliability at the Olympics
- Reliability in judging performance: This is evident in sports like ice dancing, where judges consistently rate relevant qualities.
- Example of power in measurement: Usain Bolt's speed records highlight the importance of precise measurement in sports, as inaccurate measurement can lead to misleading conclusions
Demand Characteristics
- Definition: Aspects of an observational setting inducing people to behave as they think others want or expect.
- Impact on measurement: Demand characteristics make accurately measuring behavior difficult.
Naturalistic Observation
- Definition: Observing people unobtrusively in their natural environments.
- Practical Limitations: Some events or behaviors do not occur naturally or can only be observed via direct interaction.
- Potential for bias: Observer bias.
How Do Researchers Measure "Pace of Life"?
- Naturalistic observation method: Calculating average walking speeds in various cities.
Techniques for Avoiding Demand Characteristics
- Privacy: Conceal the observer's presence to avoid participants' altering their behavior.
- Control: The ability to manage the environment in such a way that the outcome of an experience is unlikely to be affected by extraneous factors.
- Unawareness: Design research so the participants are unaware of the true purpose of the study
Observer Bias
- Definition: Observers' expectations influencing their understanding and observations.
- Causes: Expectations influencing observations and potentially, reality
- Mitigation: Using double-blind studies
An Example of Observer Bias
- Illustration: Robert Parker's wine ratings and their potential impact on participants' evaluations.
Description
- Population: The complete set of people being studied (often immeasurable).
- Sample: A subset of people drawn from a population.
- Data analysis techniques: Psychologists use graphic representations and descriptive statistics to analyze data.
Graphic Representations
- Frequency distributions: Visual representations of how frequently measurements of a property occur.
- Normal distribution: Frequently used representations in which measurements cluster around the middle.
Frequency Distributions (Happiness)
- Graphical representation: Illustrating happy levels revealed using a frequency distribution with data on reported level of happiness.
Descriptive Statistics
- Central tendency: Identifying the center or midpoint of a data set using measures like mode, mean, and median.
- Skewed distribution: Data skewed away from the middle.
Calculating Descriptive Statistics
- Mode: Represents the most frequent value.
- Mean: The average of values; calculating it involves summation of values and division by the number of values present.
- Median: The middle value when values are arranged sequentially.
- Example: calculations illustrating different descriptive statistics.
Different Shaped Distributions
- Examples of positively skewed, negatively skewed, and normal distributions.
Variability
- Variability: A measure of how widely dispersed measurements are from each other.
- Range: Difference between the largest value and the smallest value in a data set.
- Standard deviation: The average difference between each measurement in a distribution and the overall mean of that distribution.
Distributions Can Differ in Variability or Central Tendency
- Visualization illustrating differences in variability or central tendency.
Methods of Explanation
- Correlation: A relationship between variables, where changes in one variable reflect related changes in another variable.
- Variable: A property that can have different values.
Hypothetical Data Showing Relationship
- Illustrative data showing a correlation between sleep hours and number of countries.
Synchronized Patterns of Variation
- Recognizing patterns: Identifying synchronized variations in variables.
- Predictive value: Using the correlation between variables for predictions.
Measuring Direction and Strength of a Correlation
- Correlation direction: Positive or negative.
- Correlation strength: Ranges from -1.0 (strong negative) to +1.0 (strong positive), with 0 indicative of no relationship (no correlation).
- Correlation coefficient (r): A measure of the strength and direction of a correlation.
Graphing Correlations
- Visualizing correlations using graphs (illustrative of perfect positive, perfect negative, and no correlation). Correlations may be positive (high correlation), negative (low correlation), or nonexistent (no correlation), and this is illustrated using graphic plots.
Positive Correlations of Different Strengths
- Illustrative graphs showing varying strengths of positive correlations.
Causation and Interpretation
- Causality limitations: Correlations, while describing synchronization, do not imply causality.
- Third-variable Problem (Z): A third variable (hidden) may cause both observed variables.
Causes of Correlation
- Potential reasons for correlation: Direct relationship between variables, inverse relationship between variables, or influence of a third variable.
Experimentation
- Technique: A method for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
- Elimination of differences: Comparing groups to pinpoint factors uniquely influencing the outcome.
Three Steps of Experimentation
- Manipulate: Changing an independent variable to create conditions (e.g., creating experimental and control groups).
- Measure: Evaluating the effect of the changed independent variable on the dependent variable.
- Compare: Analyzing differences in the outcome/dependent variable results across conditions/groups.
Manipulation: Making Conditions Different
- Actively changing a variable's value to establish its causal impact.
Random Assignment
- Randomly assigning participants to different groups in an experiment.
- Avoiding self-selection bias, allowing comparison of only the manipulated variable across groups
Statistical Testing
- Evaluating random assignment results: Measuring the statistical significance (e.g., lower than a 5% likelihood of chance results).
- Statistical significance: Results are statistically significant if the probability of obtaining similar results by chance is less than 5%..
The Real World: Unlikely Coincidences
- ESP beliefs: Survey results about the prevalence of belief in extrasensory perception (ESP).
- Misinterpreting coincidences: People often underestimate the likelihood of coincidences.
Drawing Conclusions
- Internal validity: An experiment's ability to show causal connections.
- External validity: An experiment's ability to generalize findings to other situations/populations.
The Generalizability Restriction
- Case method: A method of gathering scientific knowledge from a single individual.
- Random sampling: Ensures every population member has an equal chance of selection.
- Generalizing results: Drawing conclusions about a larger population from observations of a sample.
- Nonrandom sampling: An acceptable method when sample similarity to the population doesn't matter or is a reasonable starting point.
Is Nonrandom Sampling a Fatal Flaw?
- Two reasons why nonrandom sampling isn't invalid: Sometimes sample representation doesn't matter or may be a reasonable starting point.
The Reliability Restriction: Replication and Error Types
- Replication: Conducting a similar experiment again to check for consistency.
- Type I error: Concluding cause-and-effect relationships that do not exist.
- Type II error: Concluding absence of cause-and-effect relationships when they do exist.
Other Voices: Psychology Not in Crisis
- Replication failures: Addressing whether failure to replicate experiments is a common issue in science.
Thinking Critically About Evidence
- Critical thinking: Asking questions to assess the evidence's validity and unbiased interpretation.
- Evidence assessment: Evaluating evidence to understand the whole truth, not just the obvious.
We See What We Expect and Want to See
- Cognitive biases: Exploring how expectations can influence how evidence is interpreted.
- Skeptical stance: Scientists' effort to increase observation accuracy and rigor.
Hours Spent Partying or Studying
- Analyzing presented bar graphs of student reported time spent partying/studying at Canadian universities.
Ethics in Psychological Science
- The Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS): A set of principles guiding ethical research involving human participants. Principles include respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice.
- Informed consent: Participants must freely agree to participate after understanding the research.
- Freedom from coercion: Participants' agreement to participate should not be coerced.
- Protection from harm: Research should maximize benefits and reduce risks to participants.
- Risk-benefit analysis: Evaluating risks and potential benefits to participants.
- Deception: In some cases, withholding information if absolutely essential to avoid influencing outcomes.
- Debriefing: Providing information to participants after the research.
- Confidentiality: Protecting participants' information.
Respecting Animals
- Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC): Guidelines for ethical use and care of animals. Standards of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animals in research are described.
Respecting Truth
- Honour System: Psychological research operates on a system of honesty.
- Truthful reporting: Data and results should be accurately reported.
- Ethical credit allocation: Participants' and researchers' contributions should be acknowledged accordingly.
- Shared data: Data should be accessible to other researchers and the scientific community.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the core principles of research ethics involving human and animal participants. This quiz covers key concepts from ethical guidelines to statistical measures used in research. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these crucial topics.