All Flashcards
Define Research Method.
Systematic way to investigate behavior and mental processes.
What is a Hypothesis?
A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.
Define Independent Variable.
The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.
What is a Dependent Variable?
The variable that is measured to see if it's affected.
Define Control Group.
Group that does not receive the experimental treatment.
What is the Experimental Group?
The group that receives the treatment.
Define Random Assignment.
Assigning participants to groups by chance.
What is a Confounding Variable?
A factor other than the IV that might affect the DV.
Define Operational Definition.
Precise description of how variables will be measured.
What is a Case Study?
In-depth investigation of a single individual or group.
Define Naturalistic Observation.
Observing behavior in its natural setting.
What is the importance of understanding research methods in psychology?
Forms basis of how we gain knowledge about behavior and mental processes.
Explain the purpose of correlational research.
To identify relationships between variables without manipulation.
What is the goal of experimental research?
To determine cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables.
What is the importance of random sampling?
Ensures a representative sample, increasing generalizability.
Explain the concept of statistical significance.
Likelihood that results are not due to chance.
What is the purpose of a double-blind study?
To minimize experimenter and participant bias.
What is the placebo effect?
A beneficial effect produced by a placebo drug or treatment, which cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and must therefore be due to the patient's belief in that treatment.
Explain the concept of informed consent.
Participants must know the risks and benefits of research before agreeing to participate.
What is debriefing in psychological research?
Explaining the purpose and any deception after the study.
What is the role of replication in research?
Repeating a study to confirm or disconfirm the original findings.
What is the Hawthorne effect?
The alteration of behavior by the subjects of a study due to their awareness of being observed.
How can understanding research methods help in everyday life?
Critically evaluate claims and make informed decisions.
Give an example of how correlational research is used in marketing.
Identifying relationships between customer demographics and product preferences.
How are experiments used in education?
Testing the effectiveness of different teaching methods.
How can naturalistic observation be used to study animal behavior?
Observing animals in their natural habitat to understand social structures.
How are case studies used in clinical psychology?
In-depth analysis of patients with rare disorders to understand symptoms.
How is random assignment used in drug trials?
Ensuring treatment and control groups are similar at the start of the trial.
How can surveys be used to study public opinion?
Gathering data on attitudes and beliefs from a large sample.
How is the concept of operational definition applied when studying sleep?
Defining 'sleep' by specific measurable criteria like brain waves.
How is informed consent applied in a study on stress?
Informing participants about potential stressors and their right to withdraw.
How can debriefing be used after a study involving deception?
Explaining the true purpose of the study and addressing any concerns.
How can understanding confounding variables improve research on exercise?
Controlling for factors like diet to isolate the effect of exercise.