PYSC Lecture 2 - Research Methods in General Psychology

A comprehensive review of key concepts from the lecture on research methods in psychology, focusing on the scientific method, variables, validity, and common research practices.

What are the core values of science?

Accuracy, Objectivity, Skepticism, Open-mindedness.

How can values affect scientific research?

They influence methods, topics, questions asked, application of knowledge, and interpretation of data.

What is a theory in the context of research?

A model of interconnected ideas or concepts that explains observations and makes predictions.

What is the role of a hypothesis?

A specific, testable prediction that is narrower than the theory it is based on.

What are the seven steps of the scientific method?

1. Pose a research question; 2. Educate yourself; 3. Form a hypothesis; 4. Design a study; 5. Conduct the study; 6. Analyze the data; 7. Report the results.

What is a variable?

Something that can vary and that a researcher can manipulate or measure.

What is an operational definition?

A definition that describes and quantifies a variable so it can be measured.

What is the difference between constructs and operationalization?

Constructs are abstract concepts that are not directly measurable, while operationalization translates them into measurable terms.

What does replication in research mean?

Repetition of a study to confirm results; independent replications rule out random effects.

Why might a study not replicate?

The theory may be wrong, differences in study design, or failure to measure relevant variables.

What are questionable research practices?

Small samples, HARKing, P-hacking, and underreporting null effects.

What are some best practices to combat poor research?

Preregistration of studies, open science, and conducting meta-analyses.

What distinguishes population from a sample?

Population is everyone who could be in the study; sample is those who actually participate.

What are descriptive studies?

Research methods that observe behavior to describe it objectively and systematically.

What is the primary significance of correlational studies?

They describe and predict how variables are naturally related, but do not imply causation.

Explain the directionality problem in correlation research.

It refers to not being able to determine which variable causes changes in another.

What is the third variable problem?

When a third unmeasured variable might be an actual cause of the observed correlation.

What is an experiment in research?

A method that tests causal hypotheses by manipulating and measuring variables.

What are independent and dependent variables?

Independent variable is manipulated; dependent variable is measured.

What is random sampling?

Each person in the population has an equal chance of being recruited into the study.

What is construct validity?

The extent to which operational variables accurately represent theoretical constructs.

What is internal validity?

The degree to which changes in the dependent variable are caused only by the manipulation.

What is external validity?

The extent to which study findings can be generalized to other people, settings, and times.