Scientific Method Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a hypothesis in the scientific method?

  • A description of a phenomenon
  • A specific prediction about the outcome of a study (correct)
  • A collection of data
  • An explanation for a series of observations

What does it mean to control for extraneous variables in a study?

  • Including extraneous variables in the experimental design
  • Measuring extraneous variables to see how they affect the outcome
  • Manipulating extraneous variables to see their effects on the independent variable
  • Minimizing the influence of extraneous variables on the dependent variable (correct)

What is the purpose of a single study?

  • To prove or disprove a theory
  • To collect all possible data about a phenomenon
  • To develop a new theory
  • To test a specific hypothesis related to a theory (correct)

What is a key characteristic of the scientific method?

<p>Systematic observation and data collection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a theory and a hypothesis?

<p>A hypothesis is a specific prediction derived from a theory. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When data support a theory, what does this suggest?

<p>The theory is strengthened. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of a dependent variable (DV)?

<p>It is the factor that is manipulated by the researcher. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is the independent variable (IV) in the study on the effect of chocolate on memory in different age groups?

<p>The age group of the participants (children, young adults, and elderly). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the study investigating the effect of chocolate on memory in different age groups?

<p>To understand how chocolate consumption affects memory performance differently across age groups. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a dependent variable (DV) in the study on the relationship between concept typicality and categorization?

<p>The age of the participants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of using multiple convergent measures for dependent variables?

<p>Greater ability to pinpoint the exact mechanism of the relationship between the IV and DV. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the independent variable (IV) in the study examining the influence of concept typicality on categorization?

<p>The type of concept being categorized (e.g., typical vs. atypical). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible dependent variable (DV) in the study on the effect of chocolate on memory?

<p>The amount of time spent on the memory task. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions using multiple convergent measures for dependent variables. Why would this approach be helpful in a study?

<p>It helps to validate the results and increase confidence in the findings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of measurement scale is used when ranking runners based on finishing position in a marathon?

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

Which of these examples represents a variable measured on a ratio scale?

<p>Number of correct answers on a test (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these examples represents a variable measured on an interval scale?

<p>Temperature measured in degrees Fahrenheit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of measurement scale is used for categorizing the color of a person's hair - blond, brown, black, or red?

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

What does it mean that a variable measured on an interval scale has an arbitrary zero point?

<p>The zero point is not a meaningful value in the context of the variable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to study the effect of a new drug on blood pressure. They measure blood pressure before and after administering the drug. What type of measurement is being used in this scenario?

<p>Pre- and post-test (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study using an ordinal scale to measure the level of customer satisfaction with a new product would likely use which of these as measurement options?

<p>Completely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, Completely Dissatisfied (A), Very Low, Low, Medium, High, Very High (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between an interval scale and a ratio scale?

<p>Ratio scales have an absolute zero point, while interval scales do not. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is the operationalization of wealth?

<p>Asking people to report their income on various ranges (less than $20,000, between $20,000 and 50,000, and more than $50,000). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the independent variable in an experimental design?

<p>Factors that the researcher manipulates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of keeping variables constant (controlled) in an experimental design?

<p>To eliminate the influence of extraneous factors on the dependent variable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an operationalization of well-being?

<p>Coding the value of a car from 1 (older, lower-status vehicle) to 5 (new, high-status vehicle in good condition). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the cupboard theory of mother-infant attachment?

<p>The theory states that babies develop attachment to their mothers because they associate them with food. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a variable that can be operationalized?

<p>Weather (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of operationalizing a concept?

<p>To define a concept in a way that is measurable and objective. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a valid example of an operational definition for the concept of 'intelligence'?

<p>Ability to learn and adapt to new situations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of defining 'intelligence' using the 'Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale' illustrate the process of operationalization?

<p>It provides a concrete and measurable way to define an abstract concept. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, which of the following BEST represents a situation where a researcher is applying operationalization?

<p>A researcher using a questionnaire to measure participants' opinions about a political issue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using multiple possible operational definitions for a concept?

<p>It allows researchers to study a concept from different perspectives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Operationalization can be considered a bridge between ___________ and ___________.

<p>Theory, data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples BEST illustrates a concept that is NOT easily operationalized?

<p>Creativity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the provided example of operationalizing 'gratitude toward one's relationship partner', why are two different operational definitions presented?

<p>To demonstrate that there is no single 'correct' operational definition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Independent Variables (IVs)

Factors manipulated in an experiment to observe effects.

Dependent Variables (DVs)

Factors measured in an experiment to see the impact of IVs.

Confounding Variables

Extra variables that can influence study results if not controlled.

Hypothesis

A specific prediction made about the outcome of a study.

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Empirical Studies

Research based on observation or experience, used to test hypotheses.

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Research Data Consistency

Data showing agreement with a given hypothesis or theory.

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Supporting Data

Data that aligns with and reinforces a research hypothesis or theory.

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Nonsupporting Data

Data that contradicts or does not align with a hypothesis or theory.

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Theory Revision

The process of adjusting a theory based on new data that does not fit the current model.

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Improved Research Design

Enhancements made to the research method to better address questions based on newly acquired data.

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Feedback Cycle

The process where new data informs and updates existing theories or research designs.

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Data Analysis

The examination of collected data to draw conclusions and make decisions in research.

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Operationalization

The process of defining abstract concepts into measurable variables.

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Wealth Measurement

Assessing income using specified ranges (e.g., less than $20,000, etc.).

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Intelligence Testing

IQ tests measure problem-solving, memory, and vocabulary skills.

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Ladder of Life Scale

A 10-point scale used to assess subjective well-being or happiness.

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Independent Variables

Factors in an experiment that are manipulated by the researcher.

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Dependent Variables

Responses that are measured to assess the impact of independent variables.

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Stray Variables

Factors kept constant in an experiment to isolate the independent variable's effect.

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Cupboard Theory of Attachment

The idea that a mother is valued for being a source of food, creating attachment.

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Nominal Scale

Categories that are exhaustive, mutually exclusive, and unordered.

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Ordinal Scale

Data can be ordered, but distances between values are not meaningful.

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Interval Scale

Constant distances between values; zero is arbitrary and not absence of quantity.

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Ratio Scale

Constant distances between values; zero indicates absence of quantity.

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Quantitative Variables

Variables that are measured with meaningful numerical values.

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Post-test Measurement

Measurement taken after the influence of the independent variable.

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Pre-test Measurement

Measurement taken before the influence of the independent variable.

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Measurement Scales Importance

Different scales provide varying levels of information about data.

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Theory

A set of statements describing the general relationships among variables.

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Conceptual Variables

Abstract concepts defined within theoretical frameworks.

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Intelligence (Conceptual)

The capacity to obtain information, adapt, and use reasoning.

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Attitude (Conceptual)

A long-lasting evaluation of an object or idea on a positive-negative scale.

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Operational Variables

Definitions of conceptual variables that can be measured.

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Intelligence (Operational)

Measured by performance on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.

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Operationalizing Attitude

Number of positive attributes counted when thinking about brands.

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Gratitude Measurement

A method involving agreement with a statement about appreciation for a partner.

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Effect of Chocolate on Memory

The impact of chocolate consumption on memory performance across different age groups.

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Age Groups in Memory Studies

Children, young adults, and seniors are compared to study chocolate's effects.

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Response Time

The time it takes for participants to respond, used as a dependent variable.

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Accuracy in Responses

The correctness of responses provided by participants, evaluated in studies.

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Neuronal Activation

The measured brain activity during memory tasks influenced by independent variables.

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Typicality Effect

How typicality influences the categorization of concepts measured in experiments.

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Convergent Measures

Using multiple dependent variables to enhance the reliability and validity of results.

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Study Notes

Research Methods in Psychology: Basic Concepts

  • Independent Variables (IVs):

    • Type and method of manipulation
    • Number of IVs

  • Dependent Variables (DVs):

    • Measurement scales
    • Measurement time points

  • Extraneous Variables (EVs):

    • How to control EVs

The Scientific Method

  • A systematic approach
  • Uses observations, hypothesis testing, and theory development based on evidence
  • Forms a cyclical process, with data supporting or revising theories

Operationalization of Concepts and Variables

  • Theory: A set of statements describing general principles of how variables relate to each other

  • Conceptual Variables: Abstract concepts based on theoretical development

    • Examples: Intelligence, attitude, attachment

  • Operational Variables: Operational definitions of conceptual variables

    • Examples: Intelligence (performance on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), Attitude (number of positive attributes thought of when judging a particular item), and Attachment (time spent with surrogate mothers).

Design/Experimental Plan

  • Systematic plan where researchers manipulate one or more variables while keeping other variables constant.
  • Observe the outcome of these manipulations
  • Independent Variables (IVs): Manipulated (changed) factors by researchers.
  • Dependent Variables (DVs): Measured responses (behavioral, physiological, neural, etc.).
  • Extraneous Variables (EVs): Factors kept constant (through control measures).

Independent Variables (IV): Manipulation

  • Types of Manipulation
    • Presence/Absence: binary manipulation (e.g., chocolate vs. no chocolate)
    • Quantitative: manipulating a variable's amount (e.g., 10g, 20g of chocolate).
    • Qualitative: changing a category of a variable (e.g., dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate)
    • Staged: researcher creates a situation (e.g., social stress vs. no social stress).
    • Operational Definitions: clear, replicable definitions of IVs
  • Types of experimental participants
    • Inter-participants: different participants for each level of the IV
    • Intra-participants: same participants tested on all levels of the IV

Independent Variables (IV): Number & Levels

  • Several IVs can be studied in a single experiment.
  • Levels of the IV refer to the values the IV can take.

Dependent Variables (DV): Measurement

  • DV reflects the effect of an IV.
  • Measured characteristics could be behavioural, physiological, and neural.
  • Multiple measurements (convergent measures) enhance reliability and accuracy.

Extraneous Variables (EV): Control

  • EVs confound IV effects by varying systematically along with the IV.
  • Controlling EVs ensures accurate investigation of IV effects.
  • Methods for controlling EVs: random assignment, matching, or counterbalancing.

Measurement Scales

  • Nominal: Categories without order (e.g., gender, species of monkeys).
  • Ordinal: Categories with order (e.g., ranking preference of chocolate).
  • Interval: Equal intervals between values (but no true zero), (e.g., IQ test scores).
  • Ratio: Equal intervals and true zero point (e.g., height, weight).

Measurement Time Points

  • Pre-test/Post-test: Measuring the DV before and after manipulation of the IV

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