Research Methods in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of experimental research?

To analyze historical trends and their effects on current behavior.

To examine the impact of controlled or manipulated variables on other variables. (correct)

To observe and describe behavior without manipulation.

To develop theories without empirical evidence.

What distinguishes fundamental research from applied research?

Fundamental research directly addresses practical problems.

Fundamental research does not require careful sampling.

Fundamental research aims to develop theories while applied research focuses on real-world applications. (correct)

Fundamental research is typically less systematic than applied research.

What challenge is often faced when classifying behavioral research?

Most researchers prefer qualitative methods over quantitative methods.

Behavioral research only focuses on experimental methods.

There is a universal agreement on research classifications.

Different textbooks suggest various classification systems and no single system is universally accepted. (correct)

Which statement about fundamental research is true?

It seeks to discover broad generalizations and principles about variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of careful sampling in fundamental research?

To allow the conclusions to be generalized beyond the immediate situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of conducting group testing in research?

It increases efficiency in data collection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a pilot study in research?

To test equipment and procedures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common tool used for data collection in research?

Randomized trials Signup and view all the answers

Which method is typically used for summarizing research results?

Graphical representation of data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of observational tools in social science research?

To gather information from subjects directly. Signup and view all the answers

In data collection, what specifies the consistency of research procedures?

Adoption of consistent protocols across studies. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to test subjects under the same conditions in group testing?

To ensure comparability of results. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage follows after formulating the research design?

Collecting or constructing tools for measurement. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research primarily describes existing conditions and relationships?

Descriptive research Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of historical research?

It analyzes past events for current understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of research does Best & Kahri emphasize?

A combination of types Signup and view all the answers

Descriptive research can best be characterized as:

Non-experimental and non-comparative. Signup and view all the answers

In educational research, generalizing conclusions to a larger population is important after:

Performing statistical analysis on results. Signup and view all the answers

During the classification of educational research, what complicates the process?

Varying systems described in textbooks. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the conclusions drawn from research is correct?

Conclusions may predict behaviors in new situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of the graphic method over the tabular method?

It provides quick deliberation and understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of statistical test is typically chosen based on the nature of the data and the research purpose?

Parametric or non-parametric tests Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of carrying out statistical analysis in research?

To reject the null hypothesis and accept an alternative hypothesis. Signup and view all the answers

At what common significance level is the null hypothesis typically rejected?

0.05 level (5% level) Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of the graphic method compared to the tabular method?

Complex data can be difficult to display effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the null hypothesis in statistical analysis?

It serves as a default position that suggests no effect or relationship. Signup and view all the answers

How is a researcher expected to summarize results effectively?

By utilizing both graphic and tabular methods. Signup and view all the answers

Which levels of significance are commonly accepted in statistical hypothesis testing?

0.05 and 0.01 levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of applied research?

To apply theoretical models to real-world problems Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of variables includes measurable characteristics or conditions manipulated by an experimenter?

Active Variables Signup and view all the answers

Which method of controlling extraneous variables involves ensuring that all variables except the independent variable are held constant?

Constancy of Conditions Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable typically represents outcomes that are influenced by other variables?

Dependent Variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between continuous and discrete variables?

Continuous variables can take on any value, while discrete variables have distinct, separate values. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a moderator variable?

A variable that affects the strength of a relationship between two other variables Signup and view all the answers

What approach involves using different orders of presenting treatments to control for order effects?

Counterbalancing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common method for controlling extraneous variables?

Subjective Analysis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Consistent Procedures in Studies

Importance of consistency: Procedures must be consistent within and between conditions.
Planning for consistency: Careful planning at instruction stage is needed.
Instructions: Instructions should clearly detail the task, stimulus sequence, and responses.
Automation: Using automated equipment (timers, projectors) for stimulus presentation improves consistency.
Pilot studies: Small-scale trials (pilot studies) help assess instructions, task feasibility, and equipment effectiveness.
Group testing: Group testing is efficient but potential for noise and distraction from other subjects needs to be controlled.
Manipulation checks: Used to confirm that independent variables had the intended influence on the dependent variables.
Example of manipulation check: Measuring anger after manipulating frustration.
Ensuring reliability and validity: Multiple procedures for controlling threats to reliability and validity.

Phases/Stages in Research

Tedious and time consuming: Research is a prolonged and challenging process.
Steps for smooth research: Following steps can streamline the research process.
Identifying the problem: Defining a suitable, unambiguous problem showing a relationship between at least two variables.
Reviewing the literature: Examining existing research to understand relevant variables, variables' conceptual understanding, and practical importance.
Formulating a hypothesis: A tentative statement about the relationship between variables. It should be consistent with existing knowledge, testable, reasonable, and expressed simply.
Data gathering process: Hypothesis formation should precede data collection.

Variables

Variables: Factors or attributes measured in an experiment or investigation.
Three types: Dependent, independent, and extraneous.
Dependent variable (DV): The characteristic expected to change in response to the manipulation.
Independent variable (IV): The variable manipulated or selected by the researcher.
Extraneous variable: Uncontrolled variable that can affect the dependent variable.

Research Design

Blueprint for procedures: Detailed plan for testing relationships between variables.
Purposes and considerations: Purpose of research, variables of interest to be controlled, experimental environment influence the research design.
Observation and measurement tools: To support the research, questionnaires, interviews, and other data collection tools should be used.

Summarizing Results

Methods of summarizing: Results are summarized using tabular and graphic methods.
Tabular method: Data condensed into tables; used for statistical analysis.
Graphic method: Data presented in graphical form, providing visual representation
Using multiple methods: Combined use of both methods for clarity and complete data representation.

Statistical Analysis

Data analysis: Determining if the results support or reject hypotheses.
Choosing appropriate method: Selection is dependent on data type and research purpose.
Parametric tests vs. non-parametric tests: Different statistical approaches applied based on the data and study design.

Types of Research

Historical research: Investigation, recording, and analysis of past events for future understanding.
Descriptive research: Records conditions, describes relationships between variables, and makes interpretations.
Experimental research: Manipulating variables to determine relationships.

Types of Variables

Quantitative: Variables with measurable magnitude, ordered in magnitude.
Qualitative: Variables defined by categories, no inherent order.
Continuous variables: Measured with any degree of fineness, e.g., age, height.
Discrete variables: Measured by counting, e.g., number of family members or items in inventory.
Moderator variables: Variables affecting the relationship between variables of interest.
Intervening variables: Hypothetical constructs between independent and dependent variables.
Active variables: Manipulated by research.
Attribute variables: Characteristics of subjects (e.g., age, sex), not directly manipulated, but could influence results.
Subject relevant variables: Characteristics of subjects controlling or influencing the outcome.
Situational variables: Environmental conditions influencing the subject's reaction to stimuli or tasks.
Sequence relevant variables: Variables related to order of presentation or experimental conditions influencing results(e.g.,practice,fatigue).

Drawing Conclusions

Generalization: Extracting conclusions from the study's results for broader context
Predictions: Extrapolating to similar situations or contexts.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of consistent procedures in psychological studies. It covers aspects such as planning, automation, and the use of pilot studies to ensure reliability and validity in research. Test your understanding of how to implement effective experimental designs.