Video Notes: Research Methods and Key Concepts in Psychology

Flashcards covering internal and external validity, data collection methods (observational methods, surveys, standardized tests, case studies), normative samples, and examples as described in the video notes.

What is internal validity?

The degree to which observed effects in an experiment can be attributed to the independent variable that was manipulated by the researcher.

What is external validity?

Generalizability—the degree to which results can be generalized beyond the particulars of the study.

Research methods are broken down into two groups. What are they?

Data collection methods and research design.

What are the two observational methods under data collection methods?

Laboratory observation and naturalistic observation.

What characterizes laboratory observation?

Conducted in a controlled setting with many real-world factors removed.

What characterizes naturalistic observation?

Observation of behavior in real-world settings with no manipulation by the researcher.

What are surveys?

Self-reported measures that ask individuals about their opinions, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes; can study a wide range of behavior.

What are the two types of surveys?

Questionnaires (written surveys) and interviews (oral surveys).

What is a drawback of surveys?

Respondents may give socially desirable answers instead of what they truly feel.

What is a standardized test?

A test with uniform procedures for administration, scoring, and interpretation; allows comparison of a person’s performance with others (norms).

What is an example of a standardized test?

Stanford-Binet (example of a standardized test).

What is a normative sample?

A reference group used to establish norms for standardized tests.

What is a case study?

An in-depth look at a group, event, or single individual; provides detailed portrayals of lives; often used by mental health professionals and in educational settings; limited generalizability.