Introduction to Psychological Science
Define Psychological Research
Collecting, analyzing and interpreting data in order to study behavior and mental processes
Define and Explain Independent variable and Dependent variable
IV
A factor/variable that has an influence on another variable
Can be modified/changed in some way. If I alter this variable, it may have different effects on whatever behaviour we are interested in.
DV
This variable is dependent on the IV
The factor/variable may be influenced by the IV
This variable is a measure of the behaviour in which we are interested
List and explain the three main types of Quantitative
Descriptive - case studies, observation, and self-report methods
Correlational OR Quasi-experimental - studies describe how variables are related to each other
Experimental - controls and explains
What does External Validity refer to?
External validity refers to how well the outcome of a study can be expected to apply to other settings.
What does Internal Validity refer to?
Internal validity is defined as the extent to which the observed results represent the truth in the population we are studying
What is the singular of "Data"
Datum
What is quantitative research?
Quantitative research is a formal, objective, systematic process in which numerical data are used to obtain information about the world.
What is Quasi-Experimental Design
Studies the relationship or association between two variables
Cannot infer causation
–Correlation never implies causation
Do the research participants accurately represent the overall population or are they different in some way?
Sample Generalisability
Differences exist between the groups being studied prior to the IV being manipulated.
Selection Bias
Define and explain the differences between the Null hypothesis (H0) and the Alternate Hypothesis (H1)
•Null hypothesis (H0)
Assumes that there is no effect or relationship
There are no differences in gaze following between 9 month old babies and 15 month old babies
•Alternate hypothesis (H1)
Assumes that there is an effect or relationship
There are differences in gaze following between 9 month old babies and 15 month old babies
Explain the differences between Exploratory and Confirmatory Research
Exploratory:
Research based on discovery, connecting ideas to understand cause-effect
Confirmatory
Research based on testing, confirming a pre-specified relationship
What is a confounding variable?
A variable that has an effect on both the IV and DV
Can be responsible for an association between IV and DV (i.e., it seems that there’s an association between IV and DV, but it’s all due to the third/confounding variable)
Is there something unique about the where the research took place that might affect the results?
Setting Generalisability
Tendency for participants whose scores fall at either extreme on a variable to score nearer the mean when measured a second time.
Regression to the Mean
List and Define The steps within the Scientific Method
1. Make Observation
2. Think of interest questions
3. Formulate Hypotheses
4. Develop Testable Predictions
5. Gather Data to Test Predictions (Refine, Alter, Expand or Reject Hypotheses)
6. Develop General Theories
What are the four main types of measures used in Psychological Research
Four main types of measures used:
–Self-report measures
■questionnaires or interviews
–Observational measures
■rating scales of children’s play behaviour
–Physiological measures
■heart rate, GSR, BP monitor, EEG, EMG, cortisol
–Performance measures
■reaction timers
An inert substance, often used in studies examining a drug or treatment technique by comparing it with a control condition
Placebo/Active Control Group
Is there something unique about the when the research took place that might affect the results?
Temporal Generalisability
This occurs when the dependent variable is affected by physical or psychological changes in the participants
Maturation Effect
How are theories, hypotheses and research different?
Theories are broad frameworks that assume how something works or multiple elements fit together.
Hypotheses come from theories and are used to design research that will support or fail to support a theory.
Research is an organised way of collecting information which designed to be a test of the hypotheses.
The scientific method involves developing and testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions from the results
What are the five main levels of measurement
–Nominal
–Ordinal
–Interval
–Ratio
Used when you have control over the “when and the whom of measurement”, but lack control over the “when and to whom of exposure.”
Quasi-experimental research
Neither the researcher nor participant know about assignment to the conditions
Double-Blind Procedures
Participants will often drop out of a study. This can be a problem for internal validity, especially if attrition is different across conditions.
Attrition