PSYC 1000 – Module 2 Flashcards: Psychological Research

These flashcards cover key concepts in psychological research based on Module 2 of PSYC 1000.

What is the scientific method?

A systematic process used to test ideas and answer questions using research.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observe, question, form a hypothesis, test, analyze data, conclude, and share results.

What is a hypothesis?

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

What is a theory?

A well-supported explanation of behavior or mental processes based on evidence.

How is research with humans regulated?

Through ethical guidelines, informed consent, and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).

How is research with animals regulated?

Through ethical standards designed to minimize harm and ensure humane treatment.

What is descriptive research?

Research that observes and describes behavior without manipulating variables.

What is correlational research?

Research that examines relationships between variables without determining causation.

What is experimental research?

Research that manipulates variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

What is a case study?

An in-depth examination of one individual or small group.

What is a strength of case studies?

They provide detailed, in-depth information.

What is a weakness of case studies?

Results may not be generalizable.

What is naturalistic observation?

Observing behavior in a natural environment without interference.

What is a strength of naturalistic observation?

It captures real-world behavior.

What is a weakness of naturalistic observation?

Lack of control over variables.

What is a survey?

A method of collecting self-reported data from participants.

What is a strength of surveys?

They allow data collection from large samples.

What is a weakness of surveys?

Responses may be biased or inaccurate.

What is archival research?

Research using existing records or data sets.

What is longitudinal research?

Research that follows the same participants over time.

What is cross-sectional research?

Research that compares different groups at one point in time.

What does a correlation coefficient show?

The strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

Why does correlation not equal causation?

A relationship does not prove one variable causes the other.

What is the independent variable (IV)?

The variable manipulated by the researcher.

What is the dependent variable (DV)?

The variable measured by the researcher.

How do experiments control for bias?

Random assignment, control groups, and standardized procedures.

What is reliability?

The consistency of a measurement.

What is validity?

How well a test measures what it is intended to measure.

What is distributional thinking?

Understanding how data are spread across values.

What is a p-value?

The probability that results occurred by chance.

What does random sampling do?

Helps ensure the sample represents the population.

What does random assignment do?

Helps establish cause-and-effect relationships.

What is the structure of a psychology research article?

Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion.

Why is replication important?

It confirms findings are reliable and not due to chance.

Why are research ethics important?

They protect participants and ensure responsible research.

What is APA format used for?

Writing and organizing psychology research papers.