lab methods in psych midterm module 2

What is the first step in research preparation?

Formulating a good research question.

What does Confucius suggest about knowledge?

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.

Why is it important to recognize the limits of our knowledge?

It helps us understand how much more there is to learn.

What should be acknowledged in research papers regarding findings?

The level of uncertainty and limitations of the design.

What is a good research question grounded in?

Prior literature on the subject matter.

What is the significance of formulating a clear research question?

It provides focus and rationale for the study and leads to falsifiable hypotheses.

What is a variable in research?

A defined and measured construct that varies among individuals in the sample.

What is an example of a common variable in psychology?

Gender, categorized into groups such as male, female, and non-binary.

What does the cyclical nature of the research process imply?

Findings should update our knowledge in the current literature.

What should be included in a literature review?

A summary of existing research that guides the formulation of research questions and hypotheses.

What is the role of uncertainty in research discussions?

To acknowledge limitations and the need for further research.

What is a falsifiable hypothesis?

A hypothesis that can be tested and potentially disproven.

What is the importance of using precise language in research writing?

To accurately convey the degree of certainty or uncertainty in findings.

How can one ensure a research question is not too complex?

By articulating it clearly to facilitate hypothesis formulation.

What did Albert Einstein say about problem-solving?

He emphasized the importance of determining the proper question to ask.

What should researchers do to avoid overstating their knowledge?

Use cautious language that reflects the degree of uncertainty.

What is the relationship between research questions and hypotheses?

A well-formulated research question leads to one or more testable hypotheses.

Why is it essential to familiarize oneself with existing literature?

To ground research questions and hypotheses in established knowledge.

What is the significance of sampling strategies in research?

They ensure the population of interest is accurately represented.

What should researchers do when discussing their findings?

Acknowledge the limitations and uncertainties in their results.

What does it mean for a variable to vary?

It means it must differ among individuals in the sample.

What are the two important variables in non-experimental research?

The predictor variable and the criterion variable.

What is the role of the predictor variable?

It predicts the criterion variable.

What is the criterion variable?

It is the outcome that the researcher hypothesizes is affected by the predictor variable.

In experimental research, what is the predictor variable called?

The independent variable.

In experimental research, what is the criterion variable called?

The dependent variable.

How does manipulation of the independent variable affect research certainty?

It allows researchers to directly observe the effect and increases certainty about causality.

What is a confounding variable?

A variable that may be associated with both the predictor and criterion variables, potentially masking the true effect of the predictor.

What is an example of a predictor and criterion variable in a study on social media authenticity?

Predictor: extroversion; Criterion: authenticity.

How can culture serve as a confounding variable in the study of social media authenticity?

Culture may influence how extroverted individuals express their authenticity on social media.

What are constructs in psychology?

Non-tangible abstract concepts that researchers aim to study.

What is the first step in studying a construct like authenticity?

Conceptually defining the phenomenon or construct of interest.

What does the conceptual definition of state authenticity emphasize?

It emphasizes the subjective nature of the phenomenon and describes it as a feeling in the moment.

What is operational definition in research?

It specifies how a construct will be measured or defined in practical terms.

What does operationalization of variables refer to?

The process of defining and measuring variables in a study.

Why might an operational definition not be all-encompassing?

It only needs to work for the specific goals of the study, not cover all facets of the construct.

How do researchers measure constructs like authenticity?

By asking participants to rate statements about their feelings of authenticity.

What is the significance of subjective feelings in measuring constructs?

They highlight the personal and variable nature of constructs like authenticity.

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

What is the main difference between experimental and non-experimental research?

Experimental research involves manipulation of variables, while non-experimental research does not.

What is the importance of defining constructs in research?

It provides clarity on what is being studied and guides measurement approaches.

What is an example of an extraneous variable that may affect authenticity on social media?

Factors such as age, social status, or prior experiences.

What is the importance of stating a hypothesis in operational terms?

It allows the hypothesis to be tested using specific measures relevant to the study.

What is an example of an operational hypothesis related to authenticity?

More extroverted users will feel more authentic in how they present themselves.

How do operational definitions affect research variables?

They directly influence the scale of the variables used in the study.

What are the four types of scales in research?

Nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.

What type of scale is used when participants rate their feeling of authenticity from 1 to 7?

Ordinal scale, as it ranks feelings from low to high.

What is the significance of understanding the population of interest in research?

It helps in selecting a sample that appropriately represents that population.

What is a convenience sample?

A sample that is selected based on ease of access rather than random selection.

What is a potential drawback of using a convenience sample?

It may not accurately represent the population, leading to biased results.

What is the relationship between research methods and the quality of a study?

The choice of research method affects the study's validity and reliability.

What are the three main categories of research methods?

Experimental, non-experimental (correlational), and quasi-experimental.

What is internal validity?

The degree to which a study can establish causal relationships between variables.

Which type of study has the highest internal validity?

Experimental studies.

What is external validity?

The ability to generalize study results to the real world and the population of interest.

Which type of study typically has the highest external validity?

Non-experimental studies.

How do quasi-experimental studies rank in terms of internal and external validity?

They fall in between experimental and non-experimental studies for both types of validity.

What type of research project will students typically conduct in this class?

A content analysis, which is a form of correlational research.

What is a key limitation of content analysis in terms of validity?

It generally has strong external validity but weak internal validity.

Why is it important to be mindful of study limitations?

To accurately interpret the conclusions drawn from the research findings.

Why must research be regulated?

To protect human and animal subjects from potential harm.

What is the Belmont Report?

An international standard for ethical research on human subjects, outlining key ethical principles.

What are the three principles highlighted in the Belmont Report?

Respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

What does 'Respect for persons' entail?

Individuals should be treated as autonomous agents, requiring informed consent and special protection for those unable to decide for themselves.

What is meant by 'Beneficence' in research ethics?

The obligation to maximize benefits while minimizing harm to research subjects.

What does 'Justice' refer to in the context of research ethics?

Ensuring that the risks and benefits of research are distributed fairly among all groups, particularly vulnerable populations.

What historical event led to the establishment of the Nuremberg Code?

The Nuremberg trials, which exposed unethical experimentation by Nazi physicians during World War II.

What was the focus of the Tuskegee study?

To study the progression of syphilis in African-American men without informing them of the true purpose or providing proper treatment.

How long did the Tuskegee study last?

40 years, from 1932 to 1972.

What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

To review research proposals to ensure the protection of human subjects and compliance with ethical standards.

What are the minimum requirements evaluated by an IRB?

Minimization of risks, equitable subject selection, informed consent, and protection of privacy and confidentiality.

How many members must an IRB have, and what are their required backgrounds?

At least five members, including a scientist, a non-scientist, and a member not affiliated with the institution.

What must researchers do before conducting studies involving human or animal subjects?

Submit their research proposals for review and approval by an IRB.

What happens if a student wants to publish or present their research findings?

They must obtain IRB approval prior to data collection.

What ethical concerns can arise from psychological research?

Researchers may become biased, overzealous, or fail to recognize potential harm to subjects.

What is the significance of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Research Subjects?

It was established to address unethical research practices and led to the creation of the Belmont Report.

What is informed consent?

A process ensuring that research participants are fully aware of the study's purpose, risks, and benefits before agreeing to participate.

What is the importance of monitoring data collection in research?

To ensure the safety and rights of research subjects are upheld throughout the study.

What is a common misconception about the Tuskegee study?

That participants were informed about the true nature of the study and received appropriate treatment.

What is the primary goal of ethical research regulations?

To prevent harm and ensure the dignity and rights of research subjects are respected.

What type of research does the 45 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 46 apply to?

Research involving human and animal subjects.

What is an example of a historical unethical study discussed in psychology courses?

The Milgram study and the Stanford Prison Experiment.

What does it mean for research subjects to be vulnerable?

They may be at higher risk of coercion or undue influence, requiring additional protections in research.

What is the significance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in relation to the Tuskegee study?

It provides detailed information about the study and its ethical implications.

experimental

method can address causality , manipulation of the independent variable, control of extraneous variables

what is an effective way to control all of the extraneous variables

random assignment to conditions, exclude confounding variables

confounding variable

a variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions about their relationship.

within subjects experimental

design where the same participants are used in all conditions, allowing for direct comparison of effects.

experimental experiment pro and con

dont need as much people, cons- risk of carryover effect (practice, fatigue), maturation effect, history effect

maturification effefct

The maturation effect refers to changes in participants that occur over time, which can impact the results of a study and confound the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

solutions to practice and fatigue

more time betw3een conditions

solution to maturation effect

control condition

carry over solutionS

counter balance the order of conditions to minimize bias and effects of practice or fatigue across participants.

what would be the most compelling reason for a researcher to choose a within- subjects design and counterbalancing strategy with three levels

what is the most effective genre of music to listen to for relaxation, classical, jazz, or pop music

within subject pros and cons 

pro - no variance, smaller sample  con- carryover, historical event, maturation 

between subjects