Research Methods Terminology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does a high 'r' value indicate in a research study?

  • A low probability of the null hypothesis being true.
  • A strong correlation between the variables being studied. (correct)
  • A high probability of a Type I error.
  • A weak correlation between the variables being studied.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a scientific theory?

  • Based on personal beliefs and opinions (correct)
  • Empirically well-supported
  • Fruitful (predictive)
  • Consistent with other scientific theories

What type of reasoning is used to support a scientific theory?

  • Deductive reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning (correct)
  • Abductive reasoning
  • All of the above

What is the purpose of a null hypothesis in scientific research?

<p>To assume that there is no relationship between variables. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Type I error in hypothesis testing?

<p>Rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'p-value' in statistical hypothesis testing?

<p>The probability of obtaining the observed results if the null hypothesis is true. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the BEST example of a pseudoscience?

<p>Astrology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the degree to which a sample accurately reflects the population from which it was drawn?

<p>Representative (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios represents a statistically significant result?

<p>A study finds a correlation of r = -0.7 between two variables, with a p-value of 0.01. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of random sampling in research?

<p>To ensure that the sample is representative of the population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a parameter and a statistic?

<p>A parameter is a numerical summary of a population, while a statistic is a numerical summary of a sample. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a p-value of 0.05 indicate?

<p>There is a 5% chance of observing the results if there is no real effect. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of random assignment in a controlled experiment?

<p>To minimize the effect of confounding variables on the outcome. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is most likely to reveal causal relationships between variables?

<p>Controlled experiments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the impact of a new teaching method on student test scores. What type of study would be most appropriate?

<p>Controlled experiment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a p-value less than 0.01?

<p>The results are statistically significant, indicating a very low chance of error. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a Type II Error?

<p>Failing to reject a null hypothesis despite evidence of a relationship. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does NHST stand for, and why is it important?

<p>Null Hypothesis Significance Testing; it ensures that conclusions are subjective. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best distinguishes a scientific theory from everyday theories?

<p>Scientific theories are comprehensive frameworks supported by empirical evidence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a Type I Error?

<p>A researcher finds a correlation between study habits and performance that is coincidental. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can a p-value of $p < 0.001$ indicates about research results?

<p>There is a negligible chance of error at less than 0.1%. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hypothesis testing, what does a True Negative signify?

<p>The researcher correctly identifies that no relationship exists. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Confidence interval

An interval of plausible values for a population parameter; the interval of values within the margin of error of a statistic.

Parameter

A numerical result summarizing a population (e.g., mean, proportion).

Distribution

The pattern of variation in data.

P-value

The probability of observing a particular outcome in a sample, or more extreme, under a conjecture about the larger population or process.

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Random sampling

Using a probability-based method to select a subset of individuals for the sample from the population.

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Random assignment

Using a probability-based method to divide a sample into treatment groups.

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Statistical significance

A result is statistically significant if it is unlikely to arise by chance alone.

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Generalizability

Related to whether the results from the sample can be generalized to a larger population.

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Type I Error (False Positive)

A researcher incorrectly rejects the null hypothesis when there is actually no relationship between the variables.

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Type II Error (False Negative)

A researcher fails to find a real relationship that exists between the variables.

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Scientific Theory

A comprehensive framework that explains a phenomenon, supported by extensive research and evidence.

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Type I Error

A conclusion that a relationship exists when there is actually no relationship.

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Type II Error

A conclusion that no relationship exists when there is actually a relationship.

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Null Hypothesis

The hypothesis tested in a statistical test, stating there is no relationship between the variables.

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Inductive reasoning

A form of reasoning where specific observations lead to a general conclusion. For example, seeing multiple drivers texting and causing accidents could lead to the conclusion that texting while driving is dangerous.

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Sample

In research, a group of people selected to represent a larger population. It's like a mini-version of the whole group.

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Null-hypothesis significance testing (NHST)

A statistical test designed to determine the likelihood of getting the observed results if the null hypothesis (a statement that there is no difference or relationship) were true.

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Representative

The degree to which a sample accurately represents the population it's drawn from. It's like a realistic miniature model.

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Probability

A measure of how certain we are that an event will occur. It's like a scale of confidence.

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Pseudoscience

Beliefs or practices presented as scientific but lacking scientific evidence or rigor. They are often mistaken for real science.

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Study Notes

Terminology

  • Empirical Methods: Approaches to inquiry that rely on measurement and observation.
  • Ethics: Professional guidelines for researchers to protect participants and avoid conflicts of interest.
  • Hypotheses: Logical ideas that can be tested.
  • Systematic Observation: Carefully observing the natural world to understand phenomena.
  • Theories: Groups of related phenomena or observations.
  • Confounds: Factors that prevent drawing causal inferences from an experiment.
  • Correlation: Relationship between two variables measured simultaneously.
  • Independent Variable: The variable the researcher manipulates.
  • Dependent Variable: The variable the researcher measures.
  • Experimenter Expectations: When the experimenter's expectations influence the outcome of a study.
  • Longitudinal Study: Research that follows the same group of participants over time.
  • Operational Definitions: Specific measures of a concept used in research.
  • Participant Demand: When participants behave in a way they think is expected.
  • Placebo Effect: When participants' behavior changes due to receiving a treatment, even if it's a placebo.
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Research that does not use random assignment to conditions.
  • Random Assignment: Assigning participants to conditions by chance.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe how scientific research changed the world.
  • Identify the key characteristics of the scientific approach.
  • Discuss benefits and problems created by science.
  • Explain how psychological science improved the world.
  • Outline ethical guidelines psychologists follow.

Essential Elements of Science

  • Systematic Observation: Organized and controlled observations to minimize bias.
  • Testable Hypotheses: Observations lead to testable hypotheses and theories.
  • Democratic Nature: Science encourages debate and evidence-based conclusions.
  • Cumulative Knowledge: Scientific progress builds on previous discoveries.

Advances in Psychological Research

  • Psychology is a young science (150 years old).
  • Methods, designs, and statistical tools have improved.
  • Research tools now account for self-reports, peer reports, memory measures, and biological measures.
  • Improvements in measuring happiness are evident

Ethics in Psychological Research

  • Psychologists follow ethical guidelines to protect participants.
  • Informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, and benefits/risks balancing are crucial ethical considerations.

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