Variables
An abstract concept
Why is research better than experience?
Experience is confounded.
The verbs “prefers”, “is linked to” and “may predict” signal which type of claim?
Association Claim
Define Validity.
Appropriateness of a conclusion or decision.
Cherry-picking is an example of which type of bias?
Confirmation Bias
What is the difference between a measured and manipulated variable?
A measured variable is one in which the levels are observed and recorded while a manipulated variable is controlled by the researcher.
Harlow’s study of attachment in baby monkeys is an example of what type of research and why?
This is an example of basic research because the goal was to generate knowledge.
How many variables and what kind of variables are involved in causal claims?
Typically there are two variables. One variable is manipulated and the other is measured.
Define construct validity.
How well a conceptual variable is operationalized.
How do research and intuition differ?
Intuition is biased.
Thirty lab volunteers were randomly assigned to eat either two, four, or six scoops of ice cream. Then, all of the participants ran one mile and their times (in minutes) were recorded. What are the variables in this study?
Amount of Ice Cream and Speed
List, in order, the components of the theory-data cycle.
Theory – Research Questions – Research Design – Hypotheses – Data – Theory
40.2% of Eastern students graduate within 4 years. This is an example of what type of claim?
Frequency Claim
A study of college juniors majoring in Finance finds a positive association between GPA and hours of sleep. Do these results generalize to all college students, why or why not?
No, the sample only includes one major and one class year. Therefore, it is not representative of all college students.
“My friends only pay attention to news articles that support their political views, but I would never do that!”. This is an example of which type of bias?
Bias Blind Spot
Thirty lab volunteers were randomly assigned to eat either two, four, or six scoops of ice cream. Then, all of the participants ran one mile and their times (in minutes) were recorded. How is speed operationally defined?
Number of minutes to run one mile.
Define meta-analysis.
A journal article that combines the statistics of many studies to give an effect size
What are the three criteria used to evaluate a causal claim?
Covariance, Temporal Precedence, and Internal Validity
Studies with very strong external validity tend to have weaker __________ validity and vice versa.
Internal Validity
Define present/present bias.
We notice what is present, and not what is absent.
Thirty lab volunteers were randomly assigned to eat either two, four, or six scoops of ice cream. Then, all of the participants ran one mile and their times (in minutes) were recorded. Which is the manipulated variable, and what are its levels?
Amount of Ice Cream is manipulated. The levels are two, four, or six scoops.
Name one benefit of being a good consumer?
Research keeps you informed. You are able to understand research as it relates to your life, career, etc.
What type of association is shown in the scatterplot on the board?
Zero Correlation
What are two important aspects of statistical validity?
Statistical significance and effect size.
After witnessing three instances of bad driving you say, “Everyone one the road is a bad driver!”. This is an example of which type of bias?
Availability Heuristic