Research Methods and Characteristics of Knowledge

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of quantitative research designs?

Analyze subjective experiences of participants

Examine phenomena as it is in rich detail

Study relationships and cause and effect (correct)

Gather narratives from a small sample

Which type of sample size is typically used in qualitative research?

Random samples

No specific sampling method

Large samples

Small samples (correct)

In qualitative research, the approach is primarily which of the following?

Inductive (correct)

Statistical

Deductive

Quantitative

How does the design of qualitative research typically differ from quantitative research?

It is flexible and evolves during the study Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Research Ethics Committee?

To protect safety, well-being, and rights of participants Signup and view all the answers

What type of analysis is commonly used in quantitative research?

Statistical analysis of numeric data Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ethical review involves assessing amendments and serious adverse events?

Post-approval review Signup and view all the answers

Which description best fits the tools used in qualitative research?

The researcher is the primary data collection tool Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research subjects would require a full review due to risks involved?

Clinical trials with drug testing Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of quantitative research designs?

Gathering of numeric data to test hypotheses Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a research method?

A specific way of conducting research to answer a question Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'intrusive threat' as defined in sensitive research?

Researching private, stressful, or sacred areas Signup and view all the answers

In sensitive research, what does 'threat of sanction' refer to?

Risk of revealing incriminating or stigmatizing information Signup and view all the answers

What kind of review would be appropriate for research involving minors?

Full review Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a type of ethical review mentioned?

Comprehensive review Signup and view all the answers

What could be considered a 'political threat' in sensitive research?

Investigating powerful societal interests in conflict areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of predicting mental processes and behavior in psychology?

To identify correlations among variables Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT required for establishing causal inference?

Simultaneous occurrence of events Signup and view all the answers

How do psychologists apply their knowledge to improve lives?

Via self-help techniques and therapies Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of scientific psychology focuses on understanding and measuring behavior?

Scientific method Signup and view all the answers

What does covariation mean in the context of causal relationships?

The two events show a relationship in their change Signup and view all the answers

In what way can psychologists assess the impacts of stressful events on physical illness?

Through quantitative data collection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key element of the scientific method in psychology?

Empirical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a focus of psychologists when identifying causes of phenomena?

Ignoring temporal relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting pre-testing for data gathering tools?

To ensure the tool's validity and reliability. Signup and view all the answers

Which method could be used for distributing and collecting data in a research study?

Either face-to-face or online methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect to ensure during the tool validation process?

Checking the tool's psychometric properties. Signup and view all the answers

Which statistical analysis method should be presented in quantitative research?

The formula for statistical tools used. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical consideration is important in research involving human participants?

Obtaining informed consent from the participants. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT typically part of the data gathering procedures?

Ignoring participant feedback. Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions might be included in a data gathering tool?

Numerical ratings and qualitative descriptions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about qualitative research analysis is true?

It is based on a coding process for themes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a present researcher in relation to previous work?

To either agree, improve, or negate previous findings Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes scientific knowledge from non-scientific knowledge in terms of approach?

Scientific knowledge is empirical Signup and view all the answers

Which attitude is typically associated with non-scientific knowledge?

Uncritical and accepting Signup and view all the answers

How does observation differ between non-scientific and scientific knowledge?

Non-scientific observation is casual and uncontrolled Signup and view all the answers

What type of reporting is associated with scientific knowledge?

Unbiased and objective Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the concepts in non-scientific knowledge?

Concepts are ambiguous and have surplus meanings Signup and view all the answers

How are instruments used in scientific knowledge characterized compared to those in non-scientific knowledge?

Scientific instruments are accurate and precise Signup and view all the answers

What influence do cognitive biases have on non-scientific knowledge?

They can distort perceptions and judgments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Research in Psychology

Researchers build on previous work to confirm, enhance, or challenge findings.
Knowledge is categorized into non-scientific (intuitive, subjective) and scientific (empirical, objective).

Characteristics of Knowledge

Non-scientific knowledge relies on intuitive feelings and is often biased and subjective.
Scientific knowledge is based on systematic observation, objective reporting, and accurate instruments.

Predictive and Explanatory Research

Correlations among variables allow predictions about behaviors and mental processes; e.g., early parental loss and vulnerability to depression.
Three conditions for establishing causation:
- Covariation: cause and effect vary together.
- Time order: cause precedes effect.
- Elimination of alternative causes.

Application of Psychological Knowledge

Psychologists utilize research methods to positively influence lives, including self-help techniques and therapies.

Scientific Method in Psychology

A systematic approach to asking and answering questions about behavior.
Impacts the understanding of phenomena through methodical observation and analysis.

Research Designs in Psychology

Quantitative research focuses on relationships and causal effects, utilizing deductive reasoning and large samples.
Qualitative research provides rich, detailed examinations and follows an inductive approach with smaller samples.

Defining the Research Method

Defined as a specific strategy for answering research questions, tailored to the research process.

Quantitative Research

Employs objective measurement to collect numeric data against predefined hypotheses.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Research Ethics Committees safeguard participant rights and assess research validity.
Types of ethical reviews include initial, continuing, and full reviews based on risk levels.
Sensitive research topics may pose intrusive, sanction, or political threats.

Data Gathering Tools

Methodology includes survey design, validation processes, and reliability checks.
Types of questions vary between numerical ratings and qualitative descriptions.

Data Gathering Procedures

Steps must outline participant instructions, data collection methods, and quality checks.
Ensures methodological rigor and participant understanding.

Treating Data

Emphasizes accuracy in using statistical tools for quantitative research and coding processes for qualitative data analysis.

Ethical Research Practice

Discusses protocols established to ensure ethical integrity throughout the research process.

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Description

This quiz explores the distinctions between non-scientific and scientific knowledge, focusing on their characteristics and approaches. It emphasizes the role of contemporary researchers in validating or challenging previous findings. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in research methodologies.