Research Methods in Psychology Lecture 1

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Questions and Answers

In the study by Pennebaker and Francis, which variable represents the participants' GPA?

Confounding variable

Independent variable

Control variable

Dependent variable (correct)

What does it mean if a measurement is described as precise but not accurate?

The measure is random and imprecise.

The measure is consistent but not true. (correct)

The measure is both consistent and true.

The measure is true but not consistent.

Which aspect of an operational definition can be seen as potentially limiting?

There are countless options for defining a construct. (correct)

It enhances interobserver agreement.

It provides a clear measure of constructs.

It allows for unbiased observations.

In scientific measurement, what does the term 'validity' refer to?

The truthfulness of what is claimed to be measured. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes scientific reporting from nonscientific reporting?

It includes separate observations from inferences. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of risks researchers must consider when conducting studies?

Physical, Psychological, Social Signup and view all the answers

What ethical consideration is heightened when participants are labeled as 'at risk'?

The obligation to increase participants' welfare protections Signup and view all the answers

What is considered minimal risk in research?

Risk that is acceptable in daily life Signup and view all the answers

In the study involving college students completing an adjective checklist, what type of risk might they encounter?

Psychological and social embarrassment Signup and view all the answers

During achievement tests administered to elderly adults, what is a key ethical concern for researchers?

Protecting against potential decline in mental functioning Signup and view all the answers

What potential risk is associated with the students witnessing an aggressive exchange in the classroom?

Psychological impact from witnessing aggression Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern regarding participants drinking alcohol in a cognitive study?

Physical health risks from alcohol consumption Signup and view all the answers

What might researchers consider if participants are classified as 'at risk'?

Implement milder experimental procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way to protect participants from social risk in research?

Removing identifying information Signup and view all the answers

Informed consent is required in which of the following situations?

When risks are greater than minimal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about confidentiality?

Responses should be reported in statistical averages. Signup and view all the answers

What must researchers provide to participants before they agree to partake in a study?

All information influencing their decision to participate Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of obtaining informed consent from individuals unable to provide legal consent?

Obtaining consent from parents or guardians Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is informed consent generally not necessary?

Observing public behaviors in an open setting Signup and view all the answers

What does privacy refer to in the context of research involving participants?

The right of individuals to control how their information is shared Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios is most likely to require informed consent?

Recording private conversations in a non-public space Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of survey research?

To describe people’s opinions, attitudes, and preferences Signup and view all the answers

How can survey research be characterized in terms of its scope?

Either specific and limited or more global in their goals Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary consideration when obtaining a sample for research?

The selection of a sample should allow for generalization to the larger population Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of correlation coefficients in correlational research?

To measure the strength and direction of relationships among variables Signup and view all the answers

What does a correlation coefficient of r = -1.00 signify?

Perfect negative correlation Signup and view all the answers

What ethical aspect must researchers consider when conducting surveys?

Informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between surveys and correlational research?

Surveys gather data that can potentially reveal correlations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant step researchers should take before deciding how to conduct a study?

Identify alternative methods and their ethical implications Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of developing hypotheses in research?

To guide the research direction Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT essential for a good hypothesis?

Vague Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements exemplifies a research hypothesis?

It is hypothesized that sleep affects memory retention. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scientific method's empirical approach emphasize?

Systematic observation and evidence Signup and view all the answers

What are decision rules in the context of research methods?

Standards for claiming truth based on evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the scientific method?

Collecting opinions Signup and view all the answers

In developing a research question, which factor should you consider?

Relevance to psychological theories Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Hypotheses are predictions, theories are explanations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Research Methods

Academic policies can be found in the Student Handbook and Program Handbook.
Psychologists develop theories, conduct research, and explore behavior and mental processes.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is an abstract concept involving logic and systematic questioning regarding thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Key characteristics include an empirical approach and a skeptical attitude.

Group Discussion Insights

Assumptions, rules of evidence, and decision rules guide scientific inquiry, similar to the legal system.
The course introduces the scientific method as a means of understanding truth.

Getting Started in Research

Identify three fundamental questions: what to study, how to develop a research hypothesis, and the quality of the research question.
Select research topics from psychology journals, textbooks, and coursework.

Developing Hypotheses

A research hypothesis predicts outcomes and guides the research process.
Examples include studying the impact of violent video games on aggression in participants.

Characteristics of Good Hypotheses

Good hypotheses should be plausible, refutable, testable, and have clear operational definitions.

Risks in Research

Research involves physical, psychological, and social risks; ethical responsibilities include protecting participants from these risks.
Minimal risk is defined as discomfort similar to everyday experiences.
“At risk” situations require heightened ethical considerations and alternative methods.

Exercises and Ethical Considerations

Various exercises illustrate assessing participant risk during research activities and the importance of emotional support and privacy.

Reporting Methodology

Scientific reporting is objective: it separates observations from inferences and relies on interobserver agreement.
Nonscientific reporting is often biased and subjective.

Operational Definitions

Constructs in psychology (e.g., aggression, intelligence) must have clear, specific operational definitions for effective measurement and communication.
Advantages include specific construct definitions; disadvantages may involve an overwhelming number of possible definitions.

Measurement Precision and Validity

Accurate and precise measurements are crucial in scientific research.
Validity refers to how truthful a measure is, while reliability assesses the consistency of a measure.

Confidentiality protects participants from social risks by anonymizing responses.
Informed consent is essential for studies with risks greater than minimal and must ensure participants understand the research and their rights.

Privacy and Ethical Steps

Individuals possess the right to control how their information is shared.
Ethical decision-making involves assessing risks, considering alternatives, and determining actions while prioritizing participant welfare.

Survey Research

Surveys describe opinions, attitudes, and preferences while allowing predictions about behavior.
Survey research typically involves selecting samples representative of a larger population and employing predetermined questions.

Correlational Research

Assesses relationships among naturally occurring variables (e.g., attitudes, personality traits).
Correlation coefficients (r) indicate the strength and direction of relationships, ranging from +1.00 (perfect positive) to -1.00 (perfect negative).

Sample Selection

Researchers aim to accurately describe larger populations based on the responses of selected samples, allowing for generalization of the findings.

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts introduced in the first lecture of the Research Methods in Psychology course. It includes an overview of scientific methods, the roles of psychologists, and academic regulations related to research. Understand the basics that form the backbone of scientific inquiry in psychology.