Odds & Ends 1
What happens to the independent variable in a study?
It can be actively manipulated by the researcher and if the hypothesis is correct, the dependent variable will change.
Who is in the experimental group?
The participants in an experiment who are exposed to the independent variable.
Why are placebos used in some experiments?
They help control for some confounding variables.
What is the variable that should show the effect of the independent variable?
The Dependent Variable
Why must researchers be cautious about the results of a case study?
Because no two cases are exactly alike, the conclusions researchers can draw are limited.
Which psychological perspective is most directly interested in how genes and experiences combine to form personalities?
Behavior Genetics
TRUE or FALSE: We should be skeptical of all claims made in the media
True
TRUE or FALSE: In psychological testing, all the information should be kept confidential and anonymous.
FALSE
What would be a tendency to focus on information that supports what I already believe to be true?
Confirmation Bias
Explain one reason why psychologists use animals in research.
A psychologist may be interested in how animals behave.
___________________ studies compare individuals from different age groups at one time.
Cross-sectional
Who wrote the first psychology text?
William James
Which psychological perspective is most directly concerned with factors such as wellness and human thriving?
Positive Psychology
Can you provide an example of a naturalistic observation?
A marketing researcher sits outside a busy Wawa and notes which percentage of people hold the door open for the next customer.
What is the primary tool psychologists use to answer questions about behavior and thinking?
The Scientific Method