Review Questions
What is the scientific method?
a method of procedure that has characterized natural science, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
What is always the first step of the scientific method?
The first step in the Scientific Method is to make objective observations. These observations are based on specific events.
What is a hypothesis?
a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
What is mode
The mode of a set of data values is the value that appears most often.
Define statistics
Numerical data that allow one to generalize – to infer from sample data the probability of something being true to a population.
What is an independent variable?
The independent variable is the characteristic of a psychology experiment that is manipulated or changed. Experimenter often believes they will cause changes in behavior.
What is a dependent variable?
The variable that is being measured or tested in an experiment. Researchers are looking at how changes in the independent variable cause changes in the dependent variable.
What is a conclusion?
It discusses the overall results of an experimental procedure and explains whether the proposed hypothesis at the beginning of the experiment was correct or not
What is mean?
the average
Define median
The middle value
Define Ethics in Animal Research
It is the reasons for using animals in research and the safeguards for animal use/animal cruelty.
Define ethics in human research
An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate, protect from harm and discomfort, and maintain confidentiality.
What is a control group?
The group that is NOT exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment. Does not receive the treatment.
What is an experimental group?
The group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable. Receives the treatment (independent variable)
Define range
The difference between the highest and lowest score in a distribution.
What is a scatterplot?
A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).
What is a good theory?
It effectively organizes a range of self-reports and observations. It leads to clear hypotheses (predictions) that anyone can use to check the theory. It often stimulates research that leads to a revised theory which better predicts what we know.
What is a survey?
A technique for self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.
What is a positive correlation?
a relationship between two variables where if one variable increases, the other one also increases.
Define statistics
Numerical data that allow one to generalize – to infer from sample data the probability of something being true to a population.
What is a negative correlation?
A relationship between two variables such that as the value of one variable increases, the other decreases.
Define naturalistic observation
Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.
Define operational
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study.
Define replication
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.