IB Psychology Quiz 1

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior. 

Theory

An explanation for a psychological phenomenon, it is a statement used to summarize, organize and explain observations. It can be used to make predictions about human behavior. 

Quantitative data

Information that can be measured and expressed numerically, such as test scores and the number of times a behavior occurs or reaction times. 

Qualitative data

Non numerical data like words, descriptions, etc. 

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher 

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured to see the effects of the independent variable. 

Operationalized Hypothesis

defines the abstract concepts in a research question into concrete, measurable variables that can be scientifically tested. It specifies how a variable will be manipulated or measured in a particular study, allowing other researchers to understand, replicate, and validate the findings 

Null hypothesis

no relationship exists between the two variables being studied (one variable does not affect the other). There will be no changes in the dependent variable due to manipulating the independent variable. 

Lab experiment (strength and weakness)

Strength: It is easy to control extraneous variables. The psychologist can make sure that everything in the room stays exactly the same for all participants. It is easy to replicate. 

Weaknesses: People may not behave the way they normally do when in a psychology lab, especially since they know they are taking part in a study and are being observed. If people behave differently during a lab experiment than they normally would then the results from the lab might not apply to real life. Low ecological validity. 

Field experiment (strength and weakness)

Strength: Since the experiment takes place in a natural setting, it's more likely that the behavior of participants will reflect how they would behave in everyday life. 

Weakness: Controlling all extraneous variables is very difficult in a real life enviorment. For instance, if you are carrying out your experiment in a subway station, the environment is constantly changing.

Natural experiment (strength and weakness)

Strength: These are real life situations and hence reflect how people behave in everyday life. Natural experiments can be used in situations where it would be ethically impossible to manipulate the independent variable. 

Weaknesses: These are usually one-time only events, which are impossible to replicate. 

Surveys/Questionnaires (Strength and weakness)

Strength: If questions are standardized it is highly replicable. If the sample is representative and sufficiently large, results are to be generalized to its target population. A good way to determine individual values, beliefs and attitudes. 

Weaknesses: The results may not always be generalized to target populations. May have some ethical issues. People may not be honest. 

Interview (structured and unstructured)

Structured: where the interview has a set list of questions to lead the conversation, a framework which will be rigidly stuck. 

Unstructured: where the interviewer has a set list of topics or questions, but has extra flexibility to lead the conversation further, should particpant repsondes lead to deeper/ more detailed discussion. 

Case Study

in-depth descriptive research method that provides a detailed analysis of a single individual, group, or event to understand psychological processes, behaviors, and experiences 

Self-selected sampling (aka volunteer sampling)

People that sign up are usually motivated are less likely to drop out of the research, however this may lead to a sample that is not representative of the target population 

Opportunity sampling (aka convenience sampling)

When you use a pre-existing sample – like Mr. Alesio’s 4th period AP Econ class It is easy to get participant because they are readily available Usually homogenous, but it is not necessarily representative of a target population. 

Random sampling

A sample in which everyone in the target population has the same probability of being chosen 

Purposive sampling

A sample of people with very specific set of traits Women between the ages of 30-40 who attended an ivy league college This is usually accomplished by a self-selected sample 

Snowball sampling

Another type of purposive sampling. When you find a sample and you have them reach out to other people who might fall under that category 

Ecological validity

a measure of how test performance predicts behaviors in real-world settings 

Informed consent

he ethical requirement for a person to voluntarily agree to participate in a psychological service or research study after being given comprehensive information

Use of deception

the deliberate use of false information or the intentional withholding of information to manipulate a participant's behavior or perception of reality 

Debriefing

is the process of providing participants with information about a study's purpose, methods, and findings after their participation in the study 

Right to withdraw

an ethical principle guaranteeing that participants can discontinue their involvement in a study at any time, for any reason, without facing negative consequences, penalties, or loss of benefits they are otherwise entitled to. 

No undue stress

the level of psychological strain a participant experiences during a study should be no more than they would encounter in their normal everyday life 

Expectancy effect

The particpant attempts to discern the experiments hypothesis with the goal of “helping” the researcher. This may result in a certain way or giving the right answer. 

Screw you effect

The participant attempts to discern the experiments hypothesis, but only to destroy the credibility of the study. 

Social desirability effect

This is when the participant answers in a way that makes him/her look good to the researcher. This is done to avoid embarrassment or judgement. 

Researcher Bias

When the experimenter sees what he or she is looking for. The expectatiots of the researcher consciously or unconsciously affect the findings of the study.

Repeated Measures

in-depth descriptive research method that provides a detailed analysis of a single individual, group, or event to understand psychological processes, behaviors, and experiences 

Independent measures

is a research method where different groups of participants are assigned to each separate condition or treatment of an experiment