All Flashcards
Compare Structuralism and Functionalism.
Structuralism focuses on breaking down mental processes into their basic components, while functionalism focuses on the purpose and adaptive functions of these processes.
Compare Basic Research and Applied Research.
Basic research aims to increase knowledge, while applied research seeks to solve practical problems.
Compare Independent and Dependent Variables.
The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured to see if it is affected by the independent variable.
Compare Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Studies.
Longitudinal studies follow the same subjects over time, while cross-sectional studies study different groups at the same time.
Compare Internal and External Validity.
Internal validity refers to how well the experiment measures what it intends to, while external validity refers to how well the results can be generalized.
Compare Experiment and Correlational Study.
Experiments manipulate variables to determine cause and effect, while correlational studies examine relationships between variables without manipulation.
Compare a Control Variable and a Confounding Variable.
A control variable is kept constant to prevent it from affecting the results, while a confounding variable is an extraneous variable that does affect the results.
Compare the Mean and the Median.
The mean is the average of a set of numbers, while the median is the middle value when the numbers are arranged in order.
Compare Experimenter Bias and Sampling Bias.
Experimenter bias occurs when the researcher's expectations affect the results, while sampling bias occurs when the sample is not representative of the population.
Compare Hindsight Bias and Confirmation Bias.
Hindsight bias is the 'I knew it all along' phenomenon, while confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms one's beliefs.
Compare Descriptive and Inferential Statistics.
Descriptive statistics summarize data, while inferential statistics make inferences from data.
Compare Informed Consent and Debriefing.
Informed consent is obtained before the study, ensuring participants agree to participate after being fully informed, while debriefing occurs after participation, explaining the study and addressing any deception or concerns.
What is the effect of random assignment in an experiment?
It minimizes pre-existing differences between groups, increasing the likelihood that the independent variable is causing changes in the dependent variable.
What is the effect of experimenter bias on research results?
It can skew the results in the direction of the researcher's expectations, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
What is the effect of the Hawthorne effect on study outcomes?
Participants may alter their behavior simply because they know they are being observed, which can confound the results.
What is the effect of confounding variables on the dependent variable?
They can obscure or exaggerate the true relationship between the independent and dependent variables, leading to incorrect conclusions.
What is the effect of a sampling bias on research validity?
It reduces the generalizability of the findings, as the sample is not representative of the population.
What are the effects of violating ethical guidelines in research?
It can cause harm to participants, damage the reputation of the researcher and institution, and undermine the credibility of psychological science.
What is the effect of informed consent on participant autonomy?
It ensures that participants have the right to make an informed decision about whether to participate in the study, respecting their autonomy.
What is the effect of debriefing on participant well-being?
It helps to alleviate any distress or confusion caused by the study, ensuring that participants leave the study in a positive state.
What is the effect of using operational definitions in research?
It ensures that variables are measured precisely, allowing for replication and comparison of results.
What is the effect of a skewed distribution on the mean and median?
The mean is pulled in the direction of the skew, while the median remains relatively unaffected, providing a more accurate measure of central tendency.
What is the effect of high internal validity in an experiment?
It ensures that the experiment measures what it intends to, increasing confidence in the causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
What is the effect of low external validity in an experiment?
It limits the generalizability of the findings to other populations, settings, or conditions.
What is Monism?
The belief that the mind and body are one.
What is Dualism?
The belief that the mind is separate from the body.
What is the evolutionary approach in psychology?
Focuses on how natural selection promotes the survival of genes.
Explain Gestalt psychology.
Emphasizes the whole rather than the sum of its parts.
What is a Correlational Study?
Examining relationships between variables without manipulating them.
What is Sampling Bias?
An unrepresentative sample used in research.
What is Experimenter Bias?
Researcher's expectations affect results.
What is Hindsight Bias?
The 'I knew it all along' phenomenon.
What is Internal Validity?
How well the experiment measures what it intends to.
What is Descriptive Statistics?
Summarizing data using measures like mean, median, and mode.
What is Inferential Statistics?
Making inferences from data to draw conclusions about a population.
What is Informed Consent?
Participants must agree to participate after being fully informed about the study.