Research Methods in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the four goals of scientific research?

Describe (correct)

Analyze

Compare

Classify

What type of assessment is used in case studies?

Nomothetic

Qualitative

ideographic (correct)

Quantitative

What is the purpose of a survey?

To describe large groups of people (correct)

To study a single case in depth

To predict behavior

To explore relationships between variables

What is the name of the neuroimaging technique that provides a snapshot of brain structure?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of correlational research?

To explore relationships between variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the neuroimaging technique that measures brain function over time?

Functional MRI (fMRI) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the magnitude of the relationship between two variables?

Correlation coefficient Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the neuroimaging technique that uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of neuoroimaging?

To investigate the brain Signup and view all the answers

What type of research design involves studying a single case in depth?

Case study Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using double-blind studies?

To reduce biases in experiments Signup and view all the answers

What type of study examines correlations between variables at different points in time?

Longitudinal study Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a statistical technique used to calculate an overall effect size for a treatment effect?

Meta-analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of assessment is useful for describing new disorders or treatments?

Idiographic assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a study that involves random assignment with at least one independent variable?

Experiment Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a study that provides images of the brain's structure, functioning, and connectivity?

Neuroimaging Signup and view all the answers

In a cross-sectional study, variables are assessed at what point in time?

The same point in time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a mediator and a moderator?

A mediator explains the relationship between two variables, while a moderator affects the strength of the relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential problem with a no-treatment group in an experimental design?

It may be unethical Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of random assignment in an experimental design?

To minimize the impact of confounding variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of a double-blind study?

It helps to reduce bias by keeping both researchers and participants unaware of the treatment conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a meta-analysis?

To combine the results of multiple studies into a single, numerical result Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a longitudinal study and a cross-sectional study?

The point in time at which variables are assessed Signup and view all the answers

What is a threat to internal validity in a quasi-experimental design?

Selection bias Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Goals and Methods

The four goals of scientific research are: describe, predict, explain, and replicate
Case studies involve a detailed description of a person, group, or phenomenon and are a type of idiographic assessment
Case studies have limitations, such as being subjective and difficult to generalize
Surveys are used to describe large groups of people and involve nomothetic assessment
Surveys involve random selection and are a type of quantitative research

Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging techniques are used to investigate the brain in both humans and animals
Structural neuroimaging provides a snapshot of the brain's structure, using techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
Functional neuroimaging provides information on the brain's function over time, using techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and near-infrared spectroscopic imaging (NIRSI)

Study Designs

Correlational research explores relationships between variables, but does not imply causality
Correlation coefficients measure the strength and direction of the relationship between variables
Cross-sectional studies examine variables at the same point in time, while longitudinal studies examine variables at different points in time
Mediators explain how two variables are related, while moderators affect the direction or strength of the relationship between two variables

Experimental Designs

Experimental designs involve manipulating an independent variable and measuring a dependent variable
Random assignment is used to reduce bias and ensure that groups are comparable
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are used to test the efficacy of a treatment
Quasi-experimental designs do not involve random assignment, and may be prone to selection bias
Single-subject studies involve examining a single participant over time, and may be used to establish causality

Meta-Analysis

Meta-analysis is a statistical technique used to combine the results of multiple research studies
Effect size is a measure of the magnitude of the treatment effect
Meta-analysis can be used to examine differences in the effectiveness of different treatments

Summary

Scientists rely on empirical data to test hypotheses and develop theories
Empirical research is characterized by precision, replicability, and the use of empirical data
Different research methods are used to achieve different research goals, and each method has its own strengths and limitations.

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Description

This quiz covers the principles of scientific thinking in psychology, methods used to study and predict behavior, and how psychologists describe behavior. Test your understanding of research goals and methods in psychology.