Research Methods Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in developing a theory from observations?

Observe a behavior that leads to a question (correct)

Conduct a media analysis

Review previous studies

Formulate a hypothesis

What does a theory aim to accomplish with respect to observations?

Organize and explain observations while predicting unobserved events (correct)

Propose multiple unrelated hypotheses

Disregard previous observations

Confirm existing beliefs without new evidence

Which of the following is NOT a source of evidence mentioned for understanding causes of death?

Media articles

Observed causes

Personal anecdotes (correct)

Google searches

Inductive reasoning in the context of theory development is mainly about:

Making generalizations based on limited observations Signup and view all the answers

Why is a literature review important in the process of observation leading to theory?

It assesses what previous studies have indicated. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is essential for a scientific theory to be considered testable?

It must make predictions that can be tested empirically. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the independent variable in an experiment?

It is the variable thought to be the cause. Signup and view all the answers

In a hypothesis stating that 'Dogs will achieve higher scores on cognitive tests than cats', what is the dependent variable?

The scores achieved on cognitive tests. Signup and view all the answers

Why is parsimony an important condition for a scientific theory?

It simplifies the number of concepts used to explain results. Signup and view all the answers

In non-experimental research, why can't causality be implied between the variables?

There is no manipulation of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an independent variable in the given research?

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects a good hypothesis?

Dogs will achieve higher scores on cognitive tests than cats. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a hypothesis to be testable?

It can be observed and measured with real variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies a poor hypothesis?

If people could read each other’s minds, there would be more trust in the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of deductive reasoning in hypothesis formation?

Starting with a general hypothesis to make specific predictions. Signup and view all the answers

What can contribute to changes in both variables in non-experimental research?

A possible confounding variable. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'falsifiability' refer to in the context of a hypothesis?

The hypothesis must be capable of being disproven. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable in the examples provided?

Ice cream consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for studying research methods in psychology?

To conduct research and evaluate the work of others Signup and view all the answers

How does science differ from pseudoscience?

Science involves testable and refutable hypotheses Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to learn to think like a scientist?

It helps in developing a systematic way of asking questions Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of research does the scientific method help to quantify?

Hits and misses in testing hypotheses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a non-scientific approach to acquiring knowledge?

The method of systematic experimentation Signup and view all the answers

What do the results of studies need to show in order to be considered accurate, according to the example provided?

High accuracy for both 'Present' and 'Absent' cases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a characteristic of pseudoscience?

It only focuses on examples of successes Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main benefits of understanding research methods in psychology?

Ability to engage critically with research findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Results section in a research paper?

To report findings without interpretation Signup and view all the answers

How should references be organized in a research paper?

Alphabetically by the first author's last name Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome after the peer review process before a decision is made by the editor?

Revise and resubmit Signup and view all the answers

What kind of information should tables and figures in a research paper contain?

More information than listed in the text Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for scientists to feel pressure to publish?

Awards and tenure influenced by publications Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of the peer review process?

Reviewers must be objective and arms-length Signup and view all the answers

What typically follows the Results section in a research paper?

Discussion section Signup and view all the answers

How long does the peer review process typically take before an editor sends a decision to the authors?

3-6 months Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Why Study Research Methods?

To understand how to conduct and evaluate research
To identify and evaluate false claims
To learn to think like a scientist

Sources of Knowledge

Non-scientific approaches:
- The method of tenacity (repetition)
- The method of intuition
- The method of authority (experts)
- The method of rationalism (logic)
- The method of empiricism (observation)

The Scientific Method

Steps:
- Observation
- Theory
- Hypothesis
- Testable prediction
- Data collection
- Analysis
- Conclusion
- Dissemination
Theory:
- Organizes observations
- Explains observations
- Predicts future events
Conditions for a good scientific theory:
- Parsimony (few concepts, many explanations)
- Precision (clear predictions)
- Testability (empirically verifiable)

Formulating a Hypothesis

Hypothesis: Proposed relationship between variables
Variable: Any characteristic that changes or can take different values (gender, height, depression scores)
Independent variable (IV): Manipulated variable (the cause),
- Example: type of animal (dogs, cats)
Dependent variable (DV): Measured variable (the outcome), the result of manipulating the IV
- Example: test of animal cognition

Generating a Testable Prediction

Prediction: Specific statement about the relationship between variables in a given situation
Deductive reasoning: From general hypothesis to specific prediction

Requirements of a Good Hypothesis

Logical: Founded in existing theories or previous research
Testable: Measurable variables
Refutable: Falsifiable (able to be disproven)

The Research Process

Methods section: Detailed description of how the research was conducted
Results section: Objective reporting of data and statistical analyses
Discussion section: Interpretation and implications of the findings
References: Complete list of all sources cited
Tables and figures: Additional information presented visually

The Peer Review Process

Reviewers: Objective experts in the field
Editorial decisions:
- Revise and resubmit
- Accept
- Reject
Pressure to publish: Publications can influence grants, awards, and tenure

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of research methods, focusing on the significance of understanding and evaluating scientific research. It includes various sources of knowledge, the steps of the scientific method, and guidelines for formulating hypotheses. Test your knowledge and enhance your critical thinking skills as a budding researcher.