Psychological Perspectives
What is the main focus of the biological perspective in psychology?
The biological perspective in psychology focuses on understanding behavior and mental processes by examining the physiological and biological factors that influence them, such as the brain, neurotransmitters, and genetics.
Define the scientific method and explain how it is used in psychological research.
The scientific method is a systematic approach to research that involves formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments or studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. It is used in psychological research to gather empirical evidence and test hypotheses about human behavior and mental processes.
Define and give an example of an independent variable and a dependent variable in an experiment.
The independent variable is the variable that researchers manipulate or control. The dependent variable is the variable that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable. For example, in a study examining the effect of caffeine (independent variable) on alertness, alertness (dependent variable) would be measured.
What is the mean, and how is it calculated in a set of data?
The mean is a measure of central tendency that represents the average value in a set of data. It is calculated by summing all the values in the dataset and dividing by the total number of values.
Describe the process of obtaining informed consent from research participants.
Obtaining informed consent involves providing participants with detailed information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, potential risks, and their rights. Participants must then voluntarily agree to participate without coercion or pressure.
plain one key concept associated with the cognitive perspective.
The cognitive perspective emphasizes the role of mental processes, such as perception, memory, and problem-solving, in shaping behavior. One key concept is "cognition," which refers to the mental activities involved in thinking, knowing, and remembering
Differentiate between a naturalistic observation and a case study as research methods.
Naturalistic observation involves observing and recording behavior in its natural environment without intervention. A case study is an in-depth examination of an individual or a small group, often using various data sources (interviews, observations, psychological tests).
Explain the concept of a confounding variable and why it is a concern in research.
A confounding variable is an extraneous variable that affects the dependent variable and may lead to incorrect conclusions about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. It is a concern because it can obscure the true cause-and-effect relationship.
How does correlation differ from causation?
While correlation shows a relationship between variables, it does not prove that one variable causes the other. Causation, on the other hand, involves demonstrating that changes in one variable result in changes in another, establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Explain the concept of debriefing in research and its purpose.
Debriefing is the process of providing participants with additional information about the study after it is completed. Its purpose is to explain the study's true nature, address any misconceptions, and provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions or express concerns.
Describe a central idea of the psychodynamic perspective.
The psychodynamic perspective, developed by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the role of unconscious desires and conflicts in influencing behavior. A central idea is the concept of the "unconscious mind" or subconscious and the role of unresolved childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior.
What is a survey, and what is ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage as a research method?
A survey is a research method that involves collecting data from a sample of people through the use of structured questionnaires or interviews. Advantages include efficient data collection, but disadvantages can include response bias and limited depth of information.
What is an experimental design, and how does it differ from a correlational design?
An experimental design involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable, allowing researchers to establish causation. Correlational designs examine relationships between variables but do not involve manipulation, so causation cannot be inferred.
Explain the concept of standard deviation and its significance in data analysis.
Standard deviation measures the degree of variability or spread of data points in a dataset. A larger standard deviation indicates greater variability, while a smaller one indicates less variability. It is significant in data analysis because it helps assess how much individual data points deviate from the mean. THE MEAN DISTANCE FROM THE AVERAGE.
Discuss the importance of confidentiality in psychological research.
Confidentiality is crucial to protect participants' privacy and ensure that their personal information and data are not disclosed to unauthorized individuals. It helps build trust between researchers and participants.
What is the main focus of the sociocultural perspective?
The sociocultural perspective examines how social and cultural factors, such as norms, values, and societal expectations, influence behavior and mental processes. It emphasizes the importance of cultural context in understanding human behavior.
Describe the purpose of a longitudinal study and provide an example.
A longitudinal study is a research design that involves observing the same group of individuals over an extended period to study changes or development. An example could be tracking the same group of individuals from childhood to adulthood to study the development of cognitive abilities.
Describe the purpose of a cross-sectional study and provide an example.
A cross-sectional study examines individuals from different age groups or populations at a single point in time to study age-related differences or variations. An example could be studying the mathematical abilities of children at different grade levels in a school at a single time.
Define and differentiate between descriptive and inferential statistics in psychology.
Descriptive statistics summarize and describe data, such as measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and measures of variability (standard deviation). Inferential statistics are used to make inferences or draw conclusions about populations based on sample data, often involving hypothesis testing.
List and briefly explain the three key principles of ethical research with human participants.
1. Do No Harm
2. Positive Environment of Trust
3. Privacy
4. Awareness of Bias
5. Informed Consent
What are the core principles of the humanistic perspective?
The humanistic perspective focuses on human potential, self-actualization, and personal growth. Core principles include the belief in free will, the importance of self-concept, and the idea that individuals strive to become the best versions of themselves.
Explain the purpose and significance of random sampling in research.
Random sampling is the process of selecting a sample of individuals from a population in a way that gives each member an equal chance of being chosen. It ensures that the sample is representative of the population, enhancing the generalizability of research findings.
What is the placebo effect, and how can researchers control for it in experiments?
The placebo effect is the phenomenon where a person experiences improvement in their condition after receiving a treatment with no active ingredients, solely due to the belief that the treatment will work. Researchers can control for it by using a placebo group (receiving a sham treatment) and comparing it to the experimental group.
hat is a statistically significant result, and why is it important in psychological research?
A statistically significant result is one in which the observed difference or relationship in the data is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone. It is important because it suggests that the results are meaningful and not due to random fluctuations.
What are the ethical considerations when conducting research with non-human animals?
Researchers must ensure that animals are treated with care and not subjected to unnecessary harm or suffering. Ethical considerations include providing proper housing, nutrition, and medical care, as well as minimizing stress and using the least invasive methods possible. Researchers must also obtain approval from institutional animal care committees.