Scientific Method
What is the goal of the scientific method?
To reduce bias and error in measurement.
Observing behavior in a natural environment is called?
Naturalistic observation
A correlation measures what?
The relationship between two variables.
What is the variable that is manipulated in an experiment?
Independent variable
What does an IRB do?
Reviews research proposals to ensure participant safety.
What is a tentative explanation based on observation?
A hypothesis
What’s the main disadvantage of naturalistic observation?
Observer effect (people/animals act differently when watched).
What does the correlation coefficient (r) show?
The direction and strength of a relationship.
What is the variable that is measured in an experiment?
Dependent variable
Name one ethical guideline for research with humans
Answers may vary: informed consent, right to withdraw, debriefing, confidentiality, etc
What step comes after drawing conclusions in the scientific method?
Reporting your results.
What is a detailed study of one individual called?
Case study.
What does a correlation of 0.0 mean?
No relationship
Which group in an experiment receives the treatment?
Experimental group.
What is required if deception is used in a study?
It must be justified and followed by debriefing.
What bias occurs when researchers only look for evidence that supports their ideas?
Confirmation bias
What bias occurs when an observer sees what they expect to see?
Observer bias
What does “correlation does not prove causation” mean?
Two variables may be related without one causing the other.
What is the placebo effect?
When participants’ expectations influence their behavior
Why do psychologists use animals in research?
To study questions that cannot be tested on humans and to study long-term effects more easily
What goal of psychology is related to drawing conclusions and making educated guesses?
Prediction.
What is a courtesy bias in surveys?
When people give socially acceptable answers instead of their true opinions
As studying time increases, grades also increase. This is an example of what kind of correlation?
Positive correlation.
What is the difference between a single-blind and a double-blind study?
Single-blind: participants don’t know their group. Double-blind: neither participants nor experimenters know.
What is the main ethical rule for research with animals?
Avoid unnecessary pain or suffering