Research Design and Psychology Review

These flashcards cover key concepts in research design and psychology as related to the upcoming exam.

What is a hypothesis in research design?

A tentative explanation that must be falsifiable, meaning it can be supported or rejected.

What is an operational definition?

A clear, precise, quantifiable definition of variables that allows for replication and reliable data collection.

What type of data do you collect in qualitative research?

Descriptive data, such as eye color.

What type of data is considered ideal for statistics?

Quantitative data, as it is numerical.

How does correlational research differ from experimental research?

Correlation identifies relationships between variables, while experimentation manipulates variables to determine cause and effect.

What does a positive correlation indicate?

As one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

What is the placebo effect?

An observed effect caused by a placebo, demonstrating the effectiveness of an experimental treatment.

What is a confound in research?

An error or flaw in a study that can skew results, known as a confounding variable.

What is the main advantage of experiments in research?

Experiments can establish cause and effect relationships.

What is random assignment in research?

The process of assigning participants to experimental or control groups at random to increase the likelihood of equal representation.

What is naturalistic observation?

A research method where individuals are observed in their natural environments.

What is the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?

Descriptive statistics summarize data, while inferential statistics determine the significance of the data.

What is a meta-analysis?

A procedure that combines the results of multiple studies to improve the sample size and examine effect sizes.

What ethical guideline involves keeping participant identities confidential?

Confidentiality.

What does informed consent entail in research?

Obtaining agreement from participants to be part of the study, with full understanding of the study's purpose and methods.

What is the Hawthorne effect?

A change in behavior that occurs when individuals know they are being observed.

What role do neurotransmitters play in the nervous system?

They are chemicals released in the synaptic gap that transmit signals between neurons.

What is the significance of the myelin sheath?

It speeds up the action potential along the axon and protects the axon.

What is the function of the amygdala?

It is involved in the processing of emotions and fear.

What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system?

The sympathetic nervous system activates the body's fight-or-flight response, while the parasympathetic nervous system promotes rest and digestion.

What is the impact of the frontal lobe on behavior?

It is responsible for decision making, planning, judgment, movement, and personality.

What is the concept of cognitive bias?

It refers to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

What is cognitive dissonance?

The psychological discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or behaviors.

What is the significance of the development stages in lifespan psychology?

They describe the changes and transitions individuals undergo throughout their lifespan.

What is the purpose of the DSM in psychology?

It provides standardized criteria for the diagnosis of mental disorders.