Understanding Biases in Behavioral Research

Questions and Answers

What is the best description of a peer-reviewed journal article?

An article written by experts and reviewed by other professionals in the same field of study.

What does it mean that behavioral research is probabilistic?

Inferences drawn from behavioral research are not expected to explain all cases.

Which is a problem presented by the availability heuristic?

We do not examine all of the evidence, only what we can think of quickly.

Asking questions to get the answers we want is called what?

Confirmation bias. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the first section of an empirical journal article?

Abstract. Signup and view all the answers

When reading an empirical journal article 'with a purpose,' which section should you read first?

Abstract. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cyril experiencing if he thinks, 'I am sure other people might engage in faulty thinking, but I never would'?

Bias blind spot. Signup and view all the answers

Different factors that could account for significant results are called what?

Confounds. Signup and view all the answers

What should the introduction of a research report include?

A summary of recent research on the primary topic of interest. Signup and view all the answers

Edited books consist of a collection of chapters written by whom?

Many different experts. Signup and view all the answers

What does the impact factor of a journal tell you?

How often, on average, papers in the journal have been cited. Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of variables?

Some can be manipulated or measured. Signup and view all the answers

Which allows us to make strong predictions using association claims?

Both strong positive and strong negative associations. Signup and view all the answers

A common finding in the study of aggression is that exposure to TV is associated with what?

Increased aggressive behavior in children. Signup and view all the answers

What criterion of causation are you questioning if you suspect peer pressure is to blame for aggression related to TV watching?

The third-variable criterion. Signup and view all the answers

What validity is Dr. Hadden prioritizing if he wants his study to apply to all college students?

External validity. Signup and view all the answers

When examining the statistical validity of a frequency claim, look for the ___

margin of error estimate. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is an operational definition of 'fear of snakes' that could be assessed as a structured question?

Asking, 'On a scale of 1-10, how afraid are you of snakes?' Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to balance characteristics about participants that can lead to alternative explanations for findings?

Random assignment. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical violations proposed by the Belmont Report were not committed in the Tuskegee study?

Participants were not given monetary payment for their time. Signup and view all the answers

In considering whether research is ethical, what is balanced against each other?

Risk to participants versus value of the knowledge gained. Signup and view all the answers

The belief that the participants in a research study should be representative of the type of people who would also benefit from the findings of the research stems from which principle of the Belmont Report?

Justice. Signup and view all the answers

Which studies would probably require written informed consent?

Confidential study examining income levels and voting behavior. Signup and view all the answers

When conducting animal research, which guideline states that alternatives to animal research should be considered?

Replacement. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason that psychologists might fabricate or falsify data?

Feel pressure to publish findings. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it unethical to provide an incentive that is too large to refuse?

It unduly influences people into participating. Signup and view all the answers

From an ethical standpoint, in what way is researching prisoners with tuberculosis similar to researching children with ADHD?

Participants have less autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a researcher debrief his participants even if his study didn't include any deceptive elements?

Decrease the likelihood of data falsification. Signup and view all the answers

A study suggesting a link between the MMR vaccine and autism led to reduced vaccination rates and increased rates of measles. This example demonstrates the serious implications of what?

Data falsification/fabrication. Signup and view all the answers

In Milgram's experiments on obedience to authority, participants were led to believe that they were shocking the learner. This led to what type of problems?

Psychological. Signup and view all the answers

What must a researcher do when using deception in an experiment?

Debrief the participants afterwards. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical consideration is relevant to research with animals?

Minimizing harm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Articles are authored by experts and reviewed by peers in the respective field to ensure credibility and accuracy.

Probabilistic Nature of Behavioral Research

Findings from behavioral research are typically generalizable but cannot account for every individual case.

Availability Heuristic Issue

This cognitive bias leads to the neglect of comprehensive evidence, focusing only on information that comes to mind quickly.

Confirmation Bias

A tendency to ask questions that seek to confirm existing beliefs or expectations instead of objectively exploring all possibilities.

Structure of Empirical Journal Articles

The first section of an empirical journal is typically the abstract, summarizing the study's main points.

Purposeful Reading of Research

When reading with intent, starting with the abstract aids in understanding the research context efficiently.

Bias Blind Spot

Individuals often perceive themselves as less susceptible to cognitive biases than others, demonstrating a lack of self-awareness.

Confounds in Research

These are factors that might obscure the true relationship between variables, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions.

Introduction of Research Reports

Should provide an overview of recent studies related to the primary research topic to contextualize the new findings.

Edited Books

Comprise multiple chapters contributed by various experts, offering diverse perspectives on a subject.

Journal Impact Factor

A metric indicating the frequency with which articles in the journal are cited, reflecting its influence in the academic community.

Variables in Research

Some variables can be either manipulated by researchers or measured, which is crucial for experimental design.

Making Predictions with Associations

Strong positive and negative associations enable robust predictions about relationships between variables.

Third-Variable Criterion

In the study of aggression, questioning whether peer pressure is a confounding element addresses this important criterion.

Prioritizing Validities

Dr. Hadden's emphasis on external validity pertains to the generalizability of study results to the broader population of college students.

Statistical Validity in Frequency Claims

Assessing the margin of error estimate is critical for determining the reliability of frequency claims.

Operational Definitions

Operationalizing "fear of snakes" can involve structured questions like a scale rating from 1 to 10.

Balancing Characteristics in Research

Random assignment serves to effectively control for participant characteristics that could impact study outcomes.

Belmont Report Ethics

The Tuskegee study did not violate the provision about compensating participants financially for their involvement.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Weighing the risks to participants against the value of the knowledge gained is essential in ensuring ethical standards.

Justice Principle in Research

This principle stresses that participants should reflect the diversity of those who may benefit from the research findings.

Studies examining confidential topics, such as income and voting behavior, typically require written informed consent from participants.

Animal Research Guidelines

The principle of replacement encourages the search for non-animal alternatives in research designs.

Data Fabrication Pressures

Psychologists may feel compelled to falsify data due to pressures associated with publishing results.

Ethical Incentives in Research

Offering excessively large incentives can coercively motivate participation, undermining voluntary consent.

Autonomy Concerns in Vulnerable Populations

Both prisoners and children often have restricted autonomy, necessitating additional ethical considerations in research.

Importance of Debriefing

Even in non-deceptive studies, debriefing participants helps reduce the likelihood of data falsification.

Consequences of Data Fabrication

The controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine and autism illustrates how data manipulation can lead to public health risks, like decreased vaccination rates.

Psychological Problems in Research

Milgram's obedience experiments highlighted psychological distress as a significant concern due to the deception involved.

Deception in Research

Researchers must ensure participants are debriefed after any use of deception in studies to address ethical obligations.

Animal Research Ethics

Minimizing harm to animals is a fundamental consideration when conducting research involving live subjects.

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Description

This quiz explores various biases and methodologies in behavioral research, including peer-reviewed articles, heuristics, and cognitive biases. Learn about the structure of empirical journal articles and strategies for purposeful reading. Test your knowledge on concepts like confirmation bias and the bias blind spot.