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Research Methods
Research Methods in Psychology: Descriptive, Correlational, and Experimental
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does the theory-data cycle involve? | It involves collecting data that can either support or disconfirm a theory. |
| What is descriptive research? | A type of study in which researchers measure one variable at a time. |
| What does variability refer to in statistics? | The extent to which scores in a batch differ from each other. |
| What is naturalistic observation? | An observational research method where psychologists observe behavior in normal, everyday environments. |
| What is correlational research? | Research that observes the relation between two (or more) variables. |
| What is a scatterplot? | A figure used to represent a correlation, with the x-axis for one variable and the y-axis for another, where each individual is represented by a dot. |
| What is the correlational coefficient? | A single number that represents the direction (slope) and strength (spread) of a correlation, abbreviated as r. |
| What are the limitations of using experience and intuition in research? | We experience only one version of each situation, and even when noticing patterns, there may be multiple explanations. |
| What does the sign of r indicate in correlation? | The direction of the relationship between two variables. |
| What does the absolute value of r indicate? | The strength of the relationship between two variables. |
| What is considered a weak correlation value? | r = .10 |
| What correlation value indicates a moderate relationship? | r = .30 |
| What correlation value indicates a strong relationship? | r = .50 or greater |
| What is the main limitation of correlational studies? | Correlation does not imply causation. |
| What are the three criteria necessary to argue for causation? | 1. Two variables must be correlated. 2. One variable must precede the other. 3. No reasonable alternative explanations for the correlation. |
| What is the third-variable problem? | An additional variable that is associated with both observed variables, providing an alternative explanation for the relationship. |
| What is an independent variable in an experiment? | The manipulated variable. |
| What is a dependent variable in an experiment? | The measured variable. |
| What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment? | To hold all other factors constant except the experimental variable. |
| What is a placebo condition? | A control group where participants expect treatment but receive an inert version. |
| What is a confound in experimental research? | An alternative explanation for a relationship that may arise when groups differ on more than just the independent variable. |
| What is random assignment in experimental research? | A procedure ensuring each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any condition. |
| What is a double-blind procedure? | A method where neither the experimenters nor participants know group assignments to reduce bias. |
| What are the strengths of experimental research? | It can establish causal direction and control for confounding variables. |
| What are the limitations of descriptive research? | It cannot test relationships among variables. |
| What are the limitations of correlational research? | It cannot identify causal direction of the relationship. |
| What is the main strength of experimental research? | It can establish causal direction of a relationship. |
| What is the first question to ask when evaluating the validity of information? | What am I being asked to believe? |
| What should you consider regarding the evidence presented in claims? | Authors should report evidence from empirical studies with high levels of validity. |
| What is a common issue with news media regarding research results? | They can misrepresent the strength of a result. |
| What should you evaluate regarding causal claims in studies? | Be cautious as correlational studies are often reported with causality in headlines. |
| Why is replication important in research? | Multiple replications indicate robust or replicable findings. |
| What is the scientific method? | The process of constructing knowledge through systematic, direct observations of the world, usually by setting up research studies to test ideas. |
| What is a hypothesis? | A specific prediction stating what will happen in a study if the theory is correct. |
| What are the three types of research methods used to build scientific knowledge? | Descriptive, correlational, and experimental. |
| What is an operational definition? | How you will measure or manipulate a variable in a particular study. |
| What is a sample in research? | The group who participated in research, belonging to the larger group (population of interest) that the researcher is interested in understanding. |
| What is a frequency distribution? | A descriptive statistic that takes the form of a bar graph showing possible scores on a variable on the x-axis and the total number of people who had each score on the y-axis. |
| What are the measures of central tendency? | Mean (arithmetic average), median (middlemost score), and mode (most common score). |
| What is standard deviation? | A variability statistic that calculates how much, on average, a batch of scores varies around its mean. |
| What is random sampling? | Participants are selected without bias, allowing results to be generalized to the larger population. |
| What is observational research? | Observing and recording what people are doing without interference. |
| What is the Muller-Lyer illusion? | An example illustrating that confidence in our intuitions does not mean they are correct, as it focuses on confirming evidence while disregarding disconfirming evidence. |
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