Science Chapter 2 Flashcards

Empirical Investigation

• Empirical investigation relies on careful measurements and direct observation for research validity.

Scientific Theory

• A theory is defined as a testable explanation for a range of observations.

Theory vs. Hypothesis

• A hypothesis is a specific prediction derived from a broader theory.

Characteristics of a Hypothesis

• Must be testable and falsifiable, enabling researchers to determine its validity.

Operational Definitions

• Driving ability in Jenna's study is quantified by the number of automobile accidents.

Independent Variable

• The gender of participants (male or female) serves as the independent variable in Jenna's study.

Variable Relationships

• The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher; the dependent variable is the outcome measured.

Randomization

• Randomization is a technique that helps minimize experimenter bias in research.

Dependent Variable in Hiring Study

• In Gina's discrimination study, the dependent variable is the interviewers' responses to candidates based on attractiveness.

Test Scores as Dependent Variable

• In the study on study time and test results, the test scores represent the dependent variable.

Statistical Significance

• The results must significantly differ from chance to support the independent variable's effect.

Manipulation Confirmation

• A statistically significant result indicates that the manipulation of the independent variable likely caused the observed effects.

Quantified Measurements

• Measurements that utilize numbers to reflect levels, sizes, or quantities of a variable are termed quantified.

Replication

• A skeptic can replicate an original study to validate or challenge its findings.

Purpose of Experiments

• Experiments aim to ascertain whether changes in the independent variable cause changes in the dependent variable.

Control Groups

• Control groups must not inadvertently include participants who are more tired, as this introduces extraneous variables.

Random Assignment

• Ensures all participants have an equal likelihood of being assigned to control or experimental groups.

Experimental Condition

• Participants receiving special treatment are categorized within the experimental condition.

Correlational Study Limitations

• Correlational studies cannot definitively assert causation, such as "attending school leads to higher grades."

Negative Correlation

• A negative correlation between exercise and blood pressure suggests that increased exercise is associated with lower blood pressure.

True Experiments

• True experimental designs must closely adhere to rigorous scientific methodology.

Expectancy Bias

• This bias can lead researchers to interpret outcomes based on pre-existing assumptions about expected results.

Confounding Variables

• Disclosing group assignments to participants can potentially influence the experiment's outcome due to confounding variables.

Identifying Confounding Variables

• In Dr. Suttman's study, the end blood pressure measurement is not a confounding variable.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

• The IRB's role is to ensure that research adheres to ethical standards.

APA Participant Guidelines

• Participants must receive debriefing post-study if deception was involved in the research process.

Frequency Distribution Purpose

• A frequency distribution organizes raw data for clarity and interpretability.

Central Tendency Affected by Extreme Scores

• The mean is highly susceptible to skewing by extreme values in a dataset.

Variability in Data

• Low variability indicates scores are closely packed around the mean.

Standard Deviation Representation

• Standard deviation conveys the average distance of scores from the mean.

Normal Distribution Scores

• Approximately 68% of scores fall within one standard deviation from the mean in a bell curve.

High P-value Implication

• A large p-value (>0.50) signifies a high likelihood that results may have occurred by chance.

Impossibility of p = 0

• A p-value of 0 is unattainable as all studies have a slight chance of yielding observed results by random chance.

Order of Information in Academic Articles

• Academic psychological articles typically follow this structure: abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, references.

Generalizability in Research

• Using a representative sample is crucial for generalizing findings from a study on consumer behavior.

Advantage of Median

• The median effectively mitigates the influence of extreme scores, providing a better reflection of the data compared to the mean.

Test your understanding of key concepts in science with these flashcards focused on Chapter 2. Each card presents important terms and their definitions, helping to reinforce your knowledge of empirical investigation, theories, and hypotheses.