Psychology 2e - Chapter 2: Psychological Research

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the importance of research in psychology, different research methods, analysis of findings, and ethical considerations.

Why is research important in psychology?

Research relies on systematic, empirical methods and helps confirm or disprove assumptions about behavior.

What are the key components of critical thinking in research?

Questioning claims, evaluating evidence, and avoiding bias.

What are descriptive methods in research?

Methods including case studies, naturalistic observation, and surveys.

What does correlational research examine?

The relationships between variables but does not prove causation.

What is the experimental method?

A research approach that manipulates an independent variable to measure its effect on a dependent variable.

What is the difference between longitudinal and cross-sectional designs?

Longitudinal tracks change over time, while cross-sectional compares different age groups.

What is the role of statistics in analyzing research findings?

Statistics like mean, median, mode, and standard deviation are used to analyze data.

What do reliability and validity mean in research?

Reliability refers to consistent results, while validity means measuring what it claims to measure.

How are research findings shared in the scientific community?

Through peer-reviewed journals that allow replication and critique of studies.

What ethical guidelines protect participants in research?

Informed consent, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw are essential ethical guidelines.

What do Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) do?

They approve studies involving human participants to ensure ethical standards are met.

What is the purpose of deception in psychological research?

Deception may be allowed when justified and must be followed by debriefing.

What are the key takeaways from Chapter 2?

Psychology is a science based on research, proper methods ensure credible results, and understanding research fosters critical thinking.