Definitions
Psychology
The scientific study of mental activity and behavior, which are based on brain processes.
A researcher is interested in investigating the effects of increased protein intake on muscle growth. What is the independent variable in this example?
Amount of protein (what is being manipulated).
In an experiment, the comparison group of participants that does not receive the experimental treatment.
Control Group
What pioneer in psychology helped developed the school of Structuralism?
Edward Titchener
A systematic procedure of observing and measuring phenomena (observable things) to answer questions about what happens, when it happens, what causes it, and why.
Scientific Method
A testable prediction about a theory.
Hypothesis
In an experiment, one or more treatment groups of participants that receive the manipulation of the independent variable being tested.
Experimental Group
Dr. Snyder studies factors that cause psychological disorders and the bests methods to treat them. Dr. Snyder likely studies _________ psychology.
Clinical psychology
Did mental activity and behavior result from a person’s biological nature? Or are mental activities and behaviors acquired through education, experience, and culture?
Nature/nurture debate
Dependent Variable
In an experiment, the variable that is measured to determine how it was affected by the manipulation of the independent variable. (What is measured).
Suppose you are interested in examining the effects of a particular fertilizer on plant growth when compared to plants that are regularly watered. To determine these effects, you separate your plants into two groups, (1) a group that receives the fertilizer and (2) a group that only receives water. Which is the experimental group?
The group that receives the plant fertilizer.
Dr. K dedicates here work to investigating attention, perception, memory, problem solving among various other brain processes. Identify the subfield of psychology Dr. K works in.
Cognitive psychology
Theory
An explanation or model of how some mental processes or behavior occurs. Theory consists of interconnected ideas or concepts that are used to explain prior research findings and to make predictions about future events.
Independent Variable
The variable that the experimenter manipulates to examine its impact on the dependent variable. (What is being manipulated).
______ is necessary to determine causality.
Control
A researcher at CSUSM holds his participants' information on password protected files and computer. Only he and his lab manager are aware of the passwords and have access to such information. Which ethical issue does he wish to address through these protective measures?
Confidentiality
Researchers in a social psychology lab at CSUSM are working on a repetition of a research study to confirm or contradict the previous findings. We would consider this type of research a ___________.
Replication
A researcher is interested in investigating the effects of increased protein intake on muscle growth. What is the dependent variable in this example?
Muscle growth (what is being measured).
__________ refers to how participants are selected from the population in order to provide each member of the population an equal chance of being chosen to participate in the research.
Random selection
This group of individuals is responsible for reviewing proposed research and ensuring that it meets the accepted standards of science and provides for the physical and emotional well-being of research participants.
Institutional review boards (IRBs)