Research Methods in Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What does high internal validity indicate regarding a study's results?

  • Findings are likely applicable in diverse settings.
  • The study used a non-representative sample.
  • Results can be influenced by unrelated variables.
  • Other explanations for the results have been ruled out. (correct)

    • Which question is primarily concerned with internal validity?

  • Can the study findings be generalized?
  • Is the study methodologically sound? (correct)
  • Are the findings affected by external influences?
  • How do the results apply to the real world?

    • Which of the following is considered a threat to internal validity?

  • Non-representative samples.
  • Artificial settings.
  • Limited ecological validity.
  • Confounding variables. (correct)

    • What is the focus of external validity?

    <p>Generalizing findings to other contexts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a pre-post study, what is the first step of the structure?

    <p>Pretest measurement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is critical for ensuring the observed effects in an experiment are real?

    <p>Internal validity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one primary concern of external validity?

    <p>Whether results apply to other settings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT relate to internal validity?

    <p>Artificial settings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary purpose of correlational research?

    <p>Identify relationships between variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes a limitation of experimental research?

    <p>It may lack generalizability to real-world scenarios.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines independent variables in experimental research?

    <p>Factors manipulated by the researcher to observe effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes experimental research from correlational research?

    <p>Experimental research establishes causality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature must be present in an experimental design?

    <p>Manipulation and control of independent variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of correlational research?

    <p>Manipulation of independent variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential advantage of using correlational research?

    <p>It can analyze large datasets without manipulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might an experimental research study face ethical limitations?

    <p>It may require manipulation of variables that can harm participants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of random assignment in experimental design?

    <p>To balance individual characteristics across different groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a disadvantage of within-subjects design?

    <p>Increased potential for practice effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In single-factor designs, what does the term 'factor' refer to?

    <p>The independent variable being manipulated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines manipulated variables in research?

    <p>They are actively manipulated by the researcher.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important condition for using matching instead of random assignment?

    <p>The number of participants is small</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes extraneous variables?

    <p>They can influence the dependent variable if not controlled.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue may arise if condition A consistently comes before condition B in a within-subjects design?

    <p>Carryover effects affecting the results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is most effective in ensuring equivalent groups when dealing with a small sample size?

    <p>Matching participants based on relevant characteristics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key consequence of not controlling extraneous variables?

    <p>It leads to confounding effects in the experimental results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about subject variables is true?

    <p>They can be used as independent variables by participant grouping.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of experimental designs, what does the term 'level' signify?

    <p>Specific varied conditions of the factor being tested</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common effect that can reduce the statistical power in a within-subjects design?

    <p>Effects of prior condition exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of variable mentioned in the content?

    <p>Controlled variable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do instructional variables influence an experiment?

    <p>By varying the instructions leading to different outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it crucial to control situational variables in an experiment?

    <p>They can systematically affect the behavior of participants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following illustrates a potential confounding variable?

    <p>A change in room temperature during an experiment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of correlational research?

    <p>To explore the relationship between two or more variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a correlation coefficient of -0.8 indicate?

    <p>A strong negative relationship between variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding correlational research?

    <p>It can identify whether variables are associated or related.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which design type examines the differences between groups in terms of variables without manipulating them?

    <p>Correlational research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it crucial to remember that correlation does not imply causation?

    <p>Because other variables may influence the relationship observed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a study where higher levels of stress are found to correspond with lower academic performance, what type of research is being conducted?

    <p>Correlational research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor can limit the complexity of a research study involving participant design?

    <p>Number of participants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of relationship does a correlation coefficient closer to +1 suggest?

    <p>A direct relationship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Research Methods

    • Correlational Research: Examines the relationship between variables, observing natural occurrences without manipulation.
      • Identifies associations between variables.
      • Cannot establish causality.
      • Uses observational, survey, and archival data.
      • Advantages: Useful for large datasets and when manipulation is not possible.
      • Limitations: Cannot infer causation; confounding variables may exist.
    • Experimental Research: Establishes causality by manipulating variables and controlling for confounding factors.
      • Employs controlled and randomized designs.
      • Advantages: Provides strong evidence for cause-and-effect.
      • Limitations: May lack generalizability and present ethical challenges.

    Features of an Experiment

    • Independent Variable (IV): The factor actively manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
      • Considered the "cause" in the cause-and-effect relationship.
      • Requires at least two levels or conditions to allow for comparison.
      • Levels can be manipulated (actively changed by the researcher) or subject variables (pre-existing participant traits).
    • Dependent Variable (DV): The outcome or response being measured in an experiment.
    • Extraneous Variables: Factors other than the IV that could influence the DV.
      • Must be controlled to avoid confounding, which occurs when an extraneous variable changes systematically along with the IV.
      • Leads to internal validity, meaning alternative explanations for results are ruled out.
    • Internal Validity: Focuses on establishing a cause-and-effect relationship within the study.
      • Ensures changes in the DV are due to the IV, not other influences.
      • Threats include confounding variables, selection bias, maturation, history, and demand characteristics.
    • External Validity: Focuses on generalizing research findings to broader contexts outside the study.
      • Concerns whether results apply to other populations, settings, or times.
      • Threats include non-representative samples, artificial settings, and limitations in ecological or population validity.

    Pre-Post Studies

    • Structure: Measure DV before treatment (pretest), apply IV (treatment), then measure DV again (posttest).
    • Steps to Conduct:
      • Identify the research question and define the IV and DV.
      • Ensure pre-test conditions don't influence post-test conditions.

    Between-Subjects Designs

    • Used when IV is a subject variable (e.g., extroversion, marital status).
    • Employs random assignment (distributing individual factors evenly across groups) and matching (creating comparable groups on a matching variable).

    Within-Subjects Designs

    • Advantages: Fewer participants needed, no problems with equivalent groups, increased statistical power.
    • Disadvantages: Practice effects, fatigue effects, and carryover effects (impact of previous condition on the current one).

    Single-Factor Designs

    • Focus on one independent variable (factor) and examine its effect on a dependent variable.
    • Vocabulary:
      • Factor: The independent variable being tested.
      • Level: The different variations or states of the factor being investigated.

    Correlational Research

    • Examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation.
    • Key Points:
      • Identifies statistical relationships between variables.
      • Uses correlation coefficient to measure relationship strength and direction (-1 to +1).
      • Does not imply causation.

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    Related Documents

    Introduction to Experiments in Psychology PDF

    Description

    Explore the fundamentals of research methods used in psychology, including correlational and experimental research designs. Understand the advantages and limitations of each type, and learn about key concepts such as independent variables and causality. This quiz will help you grasp the essential components of conducting psychological research.

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