Research Methods Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of basic research?

  • To increase knowledge (correct)
  • To replicate previous studies
  • To solve immediate problems
  • To apply research findings

    • Which process occurs after a researcher submits their paper to a scientific journal?

  • The paper is automatically published
  • The editor sends it to expert reviewers (correct)
  • The paper is reviewed by the journal's editorial team only
  • The author finalizes the publication process

    • How does applied research differ from basic research?

  • It focuses solely on theoretical frameworks
  • It rarely involves empirical methods
  • It generates knowledge that is not useful
  • It aims to find solutions to specific problems (correct)

    • What role does translational research play in the context of basic and applied research?

    <p>It serves as a bridge between basic and applied research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant advantage of empirical research over other sources of evidence?

    <p>It is based on systematic observation and experimentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a hypothesis typically characterized by?

    <p>A tentative answer to a research question that needs testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes a theory?

    <p>A broad framework that explains numerous observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a prediction from a hypothesis?

    <p>A prediction is oriented towards a specific study outcome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines a research question?

    <p>A related question derived from established theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two major functions of a theory?

    <p>To explain existing data and derive new insights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of theories in the theory-data cycle?

    <p>To suggest new hypotheses to test</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of reasoning begins with specific instances to derive a general proposition?

    <p>Inductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is essential for a good theory to be considered scientific?

    <p>It is clearly defined and testable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean for a theory to be falsifiable?

    <p>It must stand up to potential evidence that could prove it wrong</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In generating research questions, what is the initial step recommended?

    <p>Narrow down ideas to a specific topic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes deductive reasoning?

    <p>Making predictions based on existing theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Karl Popper, how should theories be tested?

    <p>By attempts to falsify them</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a feature of good theories?

    <p>Being resistant to criticism and revision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of question is typically asked to understand the characteristics of a subject?

    <p>Frequency question</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a causal question?

    <p>Does reduced sleep cause decreased productivity?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hypothesis template is correct for an association hypothesis?

    <p>Increases in X are associated with decreases in Y.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a question that assesses a relationship between two variables?

    <p>Is there a relationship between study time and exam scores?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of scientific source provides original results from an empirical study?

    <p>Empirical journal articles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is often a source of ideas for research?

    <p>Existing theories and everyday observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these questions is not typically associated with the topic of causality?

    <p>What are the common characteristics of anxiety disorders?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should researchers be clear about when formulating a causal hypothesis?

    <p>The direction of the effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the final grade is derived from participation in lectures?

    <p>5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components is NOT included in the final grade breakdown?

    <p>Group projects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is emphasized in the definition of scientific research?

    <p>Empirical evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the percentage weight of the midterm exam in the overall course grade?

    <p>20%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theory-related concept is NOT discussed in the course outline?

    <p>Types of theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for conducting lab sessions in the PS295 course?

    <p>Graduate students</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the iClicker in lectures?

    <p>To engage in participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many assignments are included in the course, contributing to 25% of the overall grade?

    <p>Four assignments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically the focus of a review journal article?

    <p>Summary of various studies on a specific topic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main emphasis for the final exam compared to the midterm?

    <p>Cumulative content</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of an empirical journal article summarizes the main findings and supports the hypotheses?

    <p>Discussion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is part of the scientific research process mentioned in the course outline?

    <p>Generating research questions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of empirical journal articles?

    <p>They report original results of empirical studies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the abstract in an empirical journal article?

    <p>To summarize the article in a brief format</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which section of an empirical journal article usually includes information about participants, materials, and procedures?

    <p>Method</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might chapters in edited books not be peer-reviewed as rigorously as journal articles?

    <p>Each chapter is written by different contributors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information is typically found in the references section of an empirical article?

    <p>Alphabetical list of cited sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of a meta-analysis within a review article?

    <p>To combine results from multiple studies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Course Information

    • Course name: PS295: Introduction to Research Methods
    • Textbook: Morling (4th Edition) with InQuizitive
    • Textbook e-book required

    Week 1 & 2 Outline

    • Instructor introduction and course outline
    • Method vs. content distinction in courses
    • Scientific approach definition and features
    • Comparison of research to other ways of knowing (personal experience, intuition, and authorities)
    • Theories, hypotheses, and prediction
    • Functions of a theory
    • Propositional logic (induction and deduction)
    • Generating research questions and hypotheses
    • Types of research questions
    • Sources of research ideas
    • Finding and reading research sources
    • Types of scientific sources
    • Components of an empirical journal article
    • Research in the media, from journal to journalism

    PS295: Research Methods I

    • Fundamentals of the logic of science, research design, and interpretation
    • Meetings:
      • A 2:30-3:50 TR (N1001)
      • B 4:00-5:20 TR (N1001)

    Instructor

    • Dr. Christian Jordan
    • Office: N2022
    • MW 11:00-noon or by appointment
    • Email: [email protected]

    Lab Coordinator

    Textbook Details

    • Need e-book with InQuizitive
    • DTA program
    • 10% of grade for InQuizitives
    • Opt-out deadline: Sept 20

    MyLearning Space

    • Course information posted regularly (syllabus, lecture outlines, lab materials, grades, announcements)
    • Students are responsible for checking MyLearning Space regularly.
    • Lecture slides posted weekly, usually at the beginning of the week, but may not include all information

    Final Grade Breakdown

    • Assignments: 25%
    • Midterm: 20%
    • Final Exam: 30%
    • Reading Quizzes (InQuizitive): 10%
    • Participation in lectures: 5%
    • Participation in labs: 10%
    • Research participation (bonus): 2%

    Midterm and Exam

    • Midterm: 20%
    • Location: N1001
    • Scheduled: Tuesday, Oct 29 during regular class time
    • Covers: Text, lectures, and labs
    • Format: Approximately 75% multiple choice (MC) and 25% short answer
    • Final Exam: 30%
    • Scheduled by Registrar
    • Covers: Text, lectures, and labs
    • Cumulative: Emphasis on the second half of the course
    • Format: Approximately 80% MC and 20% short answer

    Reading Quizzes (InQuizitive)

    • Earn 10% of the course grade (optional; can earn up to 40%)
    • Access through MyLS in the "e-book and Inquizitive" folder
    • Must access this way to record grades
    • Earn 100% by reaching target score
    • Keep working to reach target score
    • Average score across all quizzes
    • Lowest two grades dropped

    Assignments

    • Four assignments (6.25% each, 25% of course grade)
    • Posted instructions on MyLS
    • Submitted to TAs/IAs using Dropbox in MyLS
    • Direct questions to TA/IA first, then to the Lab Coordinator (Doreen Weise) if needed

    Weekly Labs

    • Conducted by TAs/IAs under lab coordinator supervision (Doreen Weise)
    • Held in BA207
    • Exercises, demonstrations, discussions, and assignment assistance
    • Labs are mandatory, constituting 10% of the grade; based on attendance and participation
    • Begin week of Sept 9-13

    Teaching Assistants

    • TAs/IAs are graduate/senior undergraduates
    • Conduct labs
    • Grade assignments
    • Office hours
    • Contact information posted on MyLS in "Course Information"

    iClickers in Lecture

    • Purchase iClicker subscription/access code at the bookstore
    • Create an iClicker student account (download the app and select Sign Up!)
    • Register for your section (A or B)
    • Earn 5% of final grade for clicker responses
    • Full marks for at least 80% participation
    • Not based on attendance but participation
    • Detailed information in "Clicker Instructions"
    • Section A (2:30pm) join.iClicker.com/DEUG
    • Section B (4:00pm) join.iClicker.com/TIFY

    Bonus: Research Participation

    • Earn up to 2% bonus on final grade
    • Lab studies: 1% per hour
    • Online studies: 0.5% per hour
    • Sign up using the PREP system
    • Access via https://wlu-psych.sona-systems.com or WLU Psychology under Research
    • Instructions posted on MyLS
    • PREP Startup Guide and Presentation provided
    • Questions: [email protected]

    Course Focus: Method vs. Content Distinction

    • Content courses emphasize research findings, e.g.: PS275 Developmental, PS270 Social, PS260 Cognitive, PS263 Behavioral Neuroscience
    • Methods courses emphasize the research process, e.g., "how" knowledge is acquired

    Course Goals

    • Appreciate the role of research in psychology
    • Learn how to conduct research (career relevance, practical and transferable skills)
    • Learn how to evaluate research claims (senior-level courses, media and advertising)
    • Become "informed consumers" of research
    • Promote critical reasoning
    • Develop enthusiasm for research

    Best Study Techniques

    • Most effective: spaced practice/distributed practice, practice testing/retrieval practice
    • Less effective: highlighting/underlining, rereading, summarizing

    Psychology as a Scientific Discipline

    • Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior, thought, and emotion
    • Psychology is also a profession promoting human welfare (counseling, education, etc.)

    The Scientific Approach

    • Psychology is a scientific discipline
    • Science is defined by methods used to study subject matter, not subject matter itself, equipment, or sufficient facts.

    Features of the Scientific Method

    • Scientists are empiricists (rely on observations)
    • Scientists test theories
    • Scientists work in a community
    • Scientists tackle applied and basic problems
    • Scientists make their work public

    Empiricism

    • Empiricism: relying on observations to draw conclusions
    • Systematic empiricism: observation is structured, observes with a purpose, guided by the theory

    Example Studies (Aggression)

    • What causes aggression? High temperatures may lead to increased aggression. Empirical test: create a situation where people could behave aggressively, expose them to different temperature levels, observe how much aggression they display when angered, draw conclusions based on data

    Scientists Test Theories and Hypotheses

    • Theory-Data Cycle: (General) Theory -> Research Question -> Hypothesis -> Prediction (Specific)

    Theories, Hypotheses, and Predictions

    • Theory: Statements describing general principles accounting for observations; generally too broad for a single study
    • Research Question: Specific question about how variables might relate, often stemming from a theory
    • Hypothesis: Tentative, specific answer needing testing, often about how variables are expected to relate
    • Prediction: Specific outcome expected in a particular study

    Example Study: Temperature and Aggression

    • Theory: Increased frustration/aversive conditions lead to increased aggression
    • Research Question: Do uncomfortable temperatures lead people to act more aggressively?
    • Hypothesis: Higher temperatures lead to higher levels of aggressive behavior
    • Prediction in this specific study: participants angry by a confederate will deliver more noise blasts in the hot room vs. the comfortable room

    Theory-Data Cycle

    • Theory poses research question
    • Deduction is used to derive an appropriate research design to test the hypothesis
    • Data is collected and analyzed, informing or modifying the theory
    • Process is iterative and cyclical

    Scientists Work in a Community

    • Norms: expectations for appropriate behavior and self-correcting
    • Universalism: merit of a scientific claim is based on the methods
    • Communality: findings belong to the whole scientific community
    • Disinterestedness: researchers should not be overly invested in specific outcomes
    • Organized skepticism: Beliefs based on observable data

    Scientists Tackle Applied and Basic Problems

    • Basic research: understand something, without immediate application, to increase knowledge
    • Applied research: apply findings to solve immediate problems; practical application
    • Areas of overlap with translational research bridging basic and applied research.

    Scientists Make Their Work Public

    • Research submitted to scientific journals through rigorous peer-review

    Research vs. Other Sources

    • Empirical research has advantages over beliefs based on personal experience, intuition, and authority

    Research vs. Your Experience

    • Experience is based on subjective perceptions
    • Experience has no comparison group
    • Experience is confounded
    • Research is probabilistic

    Experience Lacks Comparison Groups

    • Experience lacks comparison groups as people don't compare themselves to others
    • Example claims lacking comparison groups (playing Wordle makes your brain sharper, etc.)

    Experience Is Confounded (and the Problems)

    • Confounds: Occurs when thinking one thing caused an outcome, but other things also changed; possible causes varying together
    • Example (screen time and irritability) when kids use screens they may differ in other ways
    • Experience is based on subjective perceptions so it lacks comparison groups and can have many confounds, thus making personal conclusions about cause and effect unreliable

    Research Is Probabilistic

    • Research findings provide likely outcomes, not guarantees
    • Exceptions don't invalidate general conclusions
    • Example: vaccines prevent spread of COVID, but individual cases are not guaranteed

    Research vs. Your Intuition

    • Intuition is biased by good stories, what comes to mind easily, failing to consider absence, focusing on evidence liked, confirmation bias, and bias blind spot

    Research vs. Authorities

    • Need to be cautious trusting others' claimed authority
    • Authority can be biased; beliefs stem from experience, intuition, or what they want to see
    • Must consider the source's ideas and referencing of research evidence

    Research vs. Other Sources

    • Research incorporates elements from other methods, such as experience and intuition
    • Research includes systematic efforts to reduce bias

    Scientific Filters

    • Process of evaluation and refinement through rigorous steps (filtering) before establishment as validated knowledge

    Components of an Empirical Journal Article

    • Title: concise summary of article
    • Abstract: summary of article (120-250 words)
    • Introduction: background and research questions
    • Method: details on participants, procedure, and materials
    • Results: findings and statistical tests
    • Discussion: findings, importance, alternative interpretations, and directions for future research
    • References: cited sources in alphabetical order

    Literature Search: Types of Scientific Sources

    • Empirical journal articles: original research reports with methods, results, and conclusions
    • Review journal articles: summarize many studies on a topic (meta-analysis) exampes: Psychological Review, Psychological Bulletin
    • Chapters in edited books: each chapter reviews studies on a particular topic

    Literature Search: Online Databases

    • Google Scholar: free, easy to use search tool, potentially has unrelated results, can be difficult to evaluate sources
    • PsycINFO: very broad, limits to psychology related articles, can limit results to peer-reviewed works, directly links to campus library.

    "From Journal to Journalism"

    • Psychology research reported by journalists in various media (magazines, newspapers, blogs)
    • Journalists may distort or simplify research findings
    • Evaluation needed: Is the story important? Accurate?

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    Related Documents

    PS295 Introduction to Research Methods 2024 PDF

    Description

    Test your understanding of research methodologies with this quiz. It covers basic and applied research, the role of theories and hypotheses, and key processes in scientific research. Perfect for students and anyone interested in the fundamentals of research.

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