Chapter 4: Getting Ideas for Research

What are the two types of observation to consider in research?

Unsystematic Observation and Systematic Observation.

What is an empirical question?

A question that can be answered through objective observation.

What is the purpose of a literature review?

To locate, obtain, read, and evaluate the existing research in your area of interest.

What defines a primary source?

Contains the full research report, including details necessary to replicate the study.

What is a secondary source in research?

Summarizes information from primary sources and includes research reviews and theoretical articles.

What does it mean to operationally define a variable?

Defining a variable in terms of the operations required to measure it.

What is the significance of reviewing literature?

It avoids needless duplication and helps specify research questions.

What is the alpha in statistical significance?

Criterion probability used to determine statistical significance.

What is the 'file drawer phenomenon'?

The tendency for studies with non-significant results to remain unpublished.

What is meant by a refereed journal?

A journal whose articles undergo prepublication editorial review by experts.

What is one downside of operationally defining variables?

It restricts the generality of any answers obtained.

What is essential for developing good research questions?

Asking questions answerable through the scientific method.

What are common online research tools used in psychology?

PsychINFO, PsycARTICLES, PubMed, The Web of Science, JSTOR.

What should be evaluated in the introduction of a research paper?

Whether the author has accurately represented previous research results.

What purpose does the method section serve in a research study?

Describes precisely how the study was carried out.

What are the two types of observations mentioned in the notes?

Unsystematic Observation and Systematic Observation.

What is the focus of the discussion section in a research paper?

To evaluate whether the author’s conclusions follow from the reported results.

What are the values reflected in research?

Values of researchers can influence practices, which questions are addressed, and how data are interpreted.

What is the importance of peer review in scientific research?

It provides evidence for acceptance or rejection of papers and feedback for authors.

What are the characteristics of a nonrefereed journal?

A journal in which articles do not undergo prepublication editorial review.

How do theories provide research ideas?

They allow predictions about what should happen under new circumstances.

What is important about the evaluation of the results section?

To determine which effects are statistically significant and whether appropriate statistics were used.

What aspect of the author's conclusions is evaluated?

Do the conclusions logically follow from the reported results?

What is a paper session at a scientific convention?

A meeting where the latest research results are presented by reading a paper.

What constitutes consistency with previous knowledge in research?

Most findings should build on existing knowledge rather than contradict it.

What defines a systematic observation?

A planned approach to observing a phenomenon with a structured plan.

What is needed for observations to be scientifically valid?

Observations must be made under precisely defined conditions.

What is the role of statistical significance in research findings?

It helps to indicate which findings are meaningful and not due to chance.

What is an operational definition's role in a study?

It allows for precise measurement of variables included in a study.