Introduction and Psychological Research (Chapters 1-2)

Why is research important in psychology?

It separates facts from opinions, provides empirical evidence for evidence-based conclusions, and guides practice.

What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy's relationship with research?

Cognitive Behavior Therapy requires research to solidify the efficacy of certain practices.

What elements are involved in research?

Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Publication.

What is a theory in research?

A general statement about the relationship between two variables.

Give an example of a theory.

Violent video games influence violence in adolescent behavior.

What defines a hypothesis?

A formal prediction about the relationship derived from a theory.

What is the purpose of making predictions in research?

To avoid hindsight bias and enable repeated testing for more support for theories.

What are the characteristics of a good theory?

It should explain in simple terms, be generally testable, and be falsifiable.

What type of research method primarily observes and describes behavior?

Descriptive research.

Give an example of a case study in psychology.

The case of Phineas Gage, who suffered a severe brain injury and had a drastic change in personality.

What did Jane Goodall's naturalistic research reveal?

Chimpanzees make and use tools, have social structures, and engage in violent behavior.

What percentage of college students reportedly felt lonely according to the National College Health Assessment?

60% felt lonely over the year.

What is a correlation in research?

It examines the relationship between variables but does not imply causation.

How is the correlation coefficient measured?

It ranges from -1.00 to 1.00, indicating the size and direction of the correlation.

What denotes a positive correlation?

Both variables increase or decrease together.

What is an example of a moderate positive correlation found in research?

A study found a correlation of 0.34 between student pharmacist hours of sleep and academic performance.

What does experimental research manipulate?

Variables to establish cause and effect relationships.

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

The variable that is being manipulated.

What purpose does a control group serve in experimental research?

It does not receive the treatment for comparison and gives the researchers something to compare to.

What is the placebo effect?

The phenomenon where expecting something to happen can make it happen. Ex. Taking a sugar pill for migraines and having your migraines go away.

What is the significance of replication in research?

It helps verify results by repeating tests. The more data there is, the better.

What ethical consideration must be taken for experiments involving human participants?

Experiments must be submitted to an Institutional Review Board to ensure no harm to subjects. Participants need to be able to give consent and have the right to know what the study will be/is used for

How many psychology bachelor degrees are conferred annually?

6% of all bachelor degrees.

Who established functional psychology?

William James.

What marked the Cognitive Revolution in psychology?

The focus on the mind as a subject of scientific inquiry, highlighted by Chomsky in 1967.

What does the term WEIRD stand for in psychology?

Western, educated, industrialized, rich, democratic populations.

What is an example of illusory correlation?

Believing that full moons cause erratic behavior.