Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is cofounding of variables primarily responsible for in an experiment?
What is cofounding of variables primarily responsible for in an experiment?
Which of the following is NOT one of the six elements of the scientific method?
Which of the following is NOT one of the six elements of the scientific method?
In the research process, what comes after identifying a problem?
In the research process, what comes after identifying a problem?
What is the purpose of random assignment in research studies?
What is the purpose of random assignment in research studies?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an operational definition primarily used for in hypothesis formulation?
What is an operational definition primarily used for in hypothesis formulation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of formulating a testable hypothesis in a scientific investigation?
What is the primary purpose of formulating a testable hypothesis in a scientific investigation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following accurately describes observational research?
Which of the following accurately describes observational research?
Signup and view all the answers
What key limitation does correlational research face?
What key limitation does correlational research face?
Signup and view all the answers
In an experiment, what role does the independent variable play?
In an experiment, what role does the independent variable play?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement best reflects the concept of correlation?
Which statement best reflects the concept of correlation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main function of reporting findings in a scientific investigation?
What is the main function of reporting findings in a scientific investigation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an extraneous variable in a scientific study?
What is an extraneous variable in a scientific study?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes a key advantage of the scientific approach?
Which of the following describes a key advantage of the scientific approach?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Goals of Scientific Enterprise
- Measurement & Description: Develop methods to observe and measure behavior.
- Understanding & Prediction: Use hypothesis and variables to understand and predict phenomena.
- Application & Control: Apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems.
- Theory: Aims to explain and integrate findings into a coherent framework.
Steps in a Scientific Investigation
- Formulate a Testable Hypothesis: A specific, testable prediction, often incorporating operational definitions for clarity.
- Select Research Method & Design: Choose the appropriate method (descriptive, correlational, experimental) and design to address the research question.
- Collect Data: Employ various techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, surveys, or observations to gather information.
- Analyze Data & Draw Conclusions: Process and analyze data to determine whether the hypothesis is supported. Conclusions must be grounded in data.
- Report Findings: Share results through publications, conferences, or presentations.
Advantages of the Scientific Approach
- Clarity and Precision: Requires clear definitions and specifications of concepts.
- Relative Intolerance of Error: Encourages objective data, rigorous documentation, and replicability.
- Research Methods: Utilizes observation, measurement, manipulation, and control of variables.
Types of Psychological Research
-
Descriptive or Observational: Studies behavior in its natural setting without manipulation.
- Limitations: Cannot explain cause-and-effect relationships.
- Observer Effect & Bias: Researcher's presence may influence behavior.
- Example: Observing children's social interactions in a playground.
-
Correlational Research: Examines the relationship between two or more variables.
- Limitation: Cannot determine causality.
- Correlation Coefficient: A numerical measure of the strength and direction of the relationship.
-
Experimental Research: Manipulates a variable to determine its effect on another variable.
- Independent Variable: The variable manipulated by the researcher.
- Dependent Variable: The variable measured to observe the effect of the independent variable.
The Concept of Correlation
- Correlation exists when two variables are related.
- Example: Higher levels of sleep are correlated with lower levels of anxiety.
- Correlation Coefficient: A numerical index indicating the strength and direction of the relationship.
Correlation and Prediction
- Correlation is not Causation: Simply because two variables are related does not mean one causes the other.
Key Concepts in Experimental Research
- Extraneous Variables: Variables other than the independent variable that could affect the dependent variable.
- Confounding of Variables: When extraneous variables become intertwined with the independent variable, making it difficult to determine the true effect.
- Random Assignment: A technique that ensures each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any experimental condition.
Elements of the Scientific Method
- Making Observations: Gathering information about the world.
- Defining a Problem: Identifying a specific question to investigate.
- Proposing a Hypothesis: Formulating a testable explanation for the problem.
- Gathering Evidence/ Testing the Hypothesis: Conducting research to test the hypothesis.
- Theory Building: Developing a comprehensive framework that explains the findings.
- Publishing Results: Sharing findings with the scientific community.
Steps in Research
- Identify a Problem: Choose a relevant topic for investigation.
- Review the Literature: Consult existing research to gain background knowledge on the topic.
- Clarify the Problem: Define the specific research question.
- Clearly Define Terms & Concepts: Ensure clear understanding of the variables being studied.
- Define the Population: Specify the target group for the research.
- Develop the Instrument Plan: Plan the methods, procedures, and timeline for the study.
- Collect Data: Gather information through chosen methods.
- Analyze Data: Analyze the collected data to draw conclusions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz explores the goals of the scientific enterprise and the steps involved in scientific investigation. Assess your understanding of how to measure behavior, predict phenomena, and apply scientific knowledge. Dive into the methods and techniques used in psychological research.