40 Questions
What is the primary goal of evaluating the meaningfulness of a study?
To assess the importance of the research findings
What is a key factor contributing to the crisis of replicability in social sciences research?
Publication bias
What is the primary purpose of holding all other variables constant in an experiment?
To isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable
What is the primary purpose of pre-registration of studies in addressing replicability issues?
To make research designs and methods publicly available
What is a key principle of critical thinking in evaluating research?
Evaluating evidence objectively
What is the main difference between a population and a sample?
A population is the entire group of interest, while a sample is a subset of the population
Which sampling method ensures that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected?
Random sampling
What is a common fallacy in arguments that can be identified through critical thinking?
All of the above, except a
What is the term for turning abstract concepts into concrete variables that can be measured or manipulated?
Operationalising variables
What is the primary reason why psychological myths and misinformation are prevalent?
Misinterpretation of research findings
What is a key factor in addressing the replicability crisis in psychology research?
Creating a portfolio of research outputs
What is the term for a measure's ability to produce consistent results?
Reliability
What is the term for a measure's ability to assess the variable it is supposed to assess?
Validity
What is the primary role of reward structures in promoting high-quality research?
Promoting transparency and accountability
What is test-retest reliability a measure of?
The consistency of results when the same participant takes the test multiple times
What is the primary purpose of selecting a representative sample?
To ensure that the results are generalizable to the population
What is the primary goal of the scientific approach in psychology?
To describe, predict, and understand phenomena
What is the purpose of using multiple measures in research?
To compensate for errors in individual measures and enhance accuracy
What is test bias in psychological research?
A test that shows systematic score differences between groups
What is the role of the independent variable in an experiment?
It is the variable that is manipulated by the experimenter
What is the purpose of objectivity in psychological research?
To minimise subjective bias
What is the primary goal of description in the scientific approach?
To summarise data for easy understanding
What is the primary function of earworms in relation to memory?
To strengthen memories when they first form
What is the purpose of experimentation in psychological research?
To establish causation between variables
What can help interrupt the auditory loop and reduce earworms?
Chewing gum
What is the term for the weakening of a conditioned response by presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus?
Extinction
What is the characteristic of a variable in psychological research?
It is a phenomenon that can vary
What is the phenomenon where an extinguished conditioned response re-emerges after a period of time?
Spontaneous recovery
According to preclinical research, what is the effect of extinction occurring early in life on spontaneous recovery?
It makes spontaneous recovery less likely
What is the optimal interstimulus interval for classical conditioning?
A brief interval between CS and UCS
What is the effect of an extinguished response on subsequent learning?
It makes subsequent learning easier
What is the term for the phenomenon where prior learning can hinder new learning?
Blocking
What is a key aspect of social and cultural influences on conditioning?
Different cultures rely on varied conditioning techniques.
What is the primary goal of shaping in operant conditioning?
To teach new behaviours by reinforcing successive approximations.
What is an example of cognitive-social theory in operant conditioning?
Latent learning demonstrates the importance of mental representations.
What is a characteristic of reciprocal conditioning in social interactions?
Individuals continuously reinforce and punish each other.
What is the main role of parental behaviour in operant conditioning?
It influences children's behavioural issues.
What is an example of how enduring characteristics influence operant conditioning?
Rats exhibit varying responses to environmental events based on their traits.
What is the primary function of chaining in operant conditioning?
To link existing behaviours into sequences.
What is a key aspect of individual differences in operant conditioning?
Individuals differ in their ease of conditioning and learning abilities.
Study Notes
Research Methods
- Dependent variable: The variable being measured or observed in an experiment
- Holding all other variables constant: Ensuring that all variables, except the independent variable, remain constant to isolate the effect of the independent variable
- Choosing a sample: Selecting a subset of the population to study, as it is often impossible to test a hypothesis on the entire population
- Population vs. Sample: The population is the entire group of people being studied, while the sample is a subset of the population selected for study
- Random sampling: Ensuring each member of the population is equally likely to be included in the sample
- Representative sample: A sample that possesses the important characteristics of the population in the same proportions
- Convenience sample: A sample recruited for convenience, which may not be representative of the population
Operationalizing Variables
- Turning abstract concepts into concrete variables: Measuring or manipulating abstract concepts to make them observable and measurable
- Measuring self-esteem: Measuring self-esteem through exercises or surveys
- Manipulating exercise: Manipulating exercise as an independent variable to observe its effect on self-esteem
Reliability and Validity
- Reliability: The ability of a measure to produce consistent results
- Validity: The ability of a measure to assess the variable it is supposed to assess
- Test-retest reliability: Ensuring a test produces similar results when taken multiple times
- Internal consistency: Ensuring different items measuring the same variable produce consistent results
Measurement and Variables
- Variables: Phenomena that can vary, with continuous and categorical types
- Measures: Assessing variables, ensuring reliability and validity in research
Experimental Research
- Scientific approach to psychology: Using empirical methodologies like observations and experimentation to gain knowledge
- Logic of experimentation: Manipulating independent variables and observing dependent variables
- Conditions: Different versions of the independent variable tested across experimental groups
- Establishing causation: Showing how manipulating one variable affects another
Ethics and Critical Thinking
- Ethical considerations: Evaluating if the study treats participants humanely and justifies the incremental knowledge produced
- Critical thinking: Carefully examining and analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and avoiding fallacies
- Importance of critical thinking: Highlighting the significance of critical thinking in evaluating research
Psychological Myths and Misinformation
- Recognizing myths: Exploring the prevalence of psychological myths and misinformation
- Earworms: Strengthening memories, evoking positive emotions, and being more common with songs people are happy with
Learn about the basics of research methods in psychology, including dependent variables, sampling, and population vs sample. Understand the concepts of holding variables constant, random sampling, and more.
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