Variables
A variable that only has one level and stays the same in a study is a___________-
constant
Which claim only uses one variable?
A frequency claim
A study in which the variables have been accurately and reliably measured has ________validity
Construct
What is an independent variable?
The variable that is manipulated in an experiment and affects the dependent variable.
What is empiricism? (chp 1)
Using evidence for conclusions
A researcher uses a questionaire using a 5 point scale to measure life satisfaction. What kind of definition is he using for the variable life satisfaction.
A researcher finds higher vegtable consumption is associated with lower obesity rates. This is a______correlation.
A negative correlation
A researcher uses a diverse, representative, and large sample for her study so that she can generalize her results. She is working on_________validity.
External
What is a dependent variable?
A dependent variable is measured and is the variable that is AFFECTED BY the independent variable (aka the result).
Katarina is studying discrimination in the workplace with the hopes of creating more equitable hiring practices. Tyler is studying memory because he finds it interesting and wants to know more. What type of researcher is each respectively? (chp 1)
Katarina - Applied
Tyler - Basic
A researcher is trying to understand what depression means for their study. They are searching for a ________
Conceptual definition
When a researcher measures two or more variables to see how they interact, they are conducting a________study.
correlational study
If a study is designed in a way that you can be sure one thing causes another without another explanation, you have established_________validity.
Internal
What is random assignment and why is it important?
Random assignment is assigning study participants to groups in a random way. Random assignment ensures groups in experiment are relatively equal and helps eliminate confounding variables, increasing internal validity.
A researcher finds the reaction times of their participants is slowed after eating chocolate chip cookies, and concludes cookies slow down reaction time. In reality, the participants were tired from a long day. What is the tiredness/fatigue variable acting as in this scenario? (chp 2)
A confounding variable/confound
What is an example of a measured variable?
examples: age, gender, test results, employment status
Jason MEASURES the variable of how many pets someone owns and MEASURES the variable of how high their salary, finds they are positively CORRELATED and concludes that owning more pets CAUSES higher salaries. What is the problem with his claim?
He did not manipulate the variables in an experiment so he cannot make a causal claim, only an association claim.
What is the term for a range of values of which the actual value is within the range? What validity does it have to do with?
a) Confidence interval
b) Statistical validity
What are the 3 criteria for establishing causation?
covariance, temporal precedence, and internal validity
Ella is a counselor who is reading the latest research on OCD treatments. What research role is she acting in and why is it important? (chp 1)
Consumer role. Applied psychologists still need to be informed/read the psychological research to have evidence based treatments.
What is an example of a manipulated variable?
examples: light levels in a room, duration of exercise, what drug a group takes
Give an example of words you can use with association claims and words you can use with causal claims.
example answers:
association claims - linked to, correlates with, tied with
causal- causes, leads to, increases
Which of the 4 Validities is most important?
Trick question, there is no most important. It depends on the type of claim or design you are evaluating.
Give an example of a research question that uses an experimental design, and identify the independent and dependent variable.
example answer:
Does caffeine intake (IV) lead to higher levels of focus (DV).
Explain 3 key forms of bias (Chp 2)
Availability Heuristic - using whatever conclusion is most easily available
Bias Blind spot - Believing you are immune to bias
Confirmation Bias - Only using evidence that supports your pre conceived conclusion.