Psych 101 - Chapter 2

Scientific methods + learning strategies

Steps in the process of science

Question, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, peer review, replication

Descriptive Research

Observable behavior

ex. case studies, surveys, observational research

Correctional Research

Measures relationship NOT cause and effect

ex. positive, negative, zero

Expirimental Research

Manipulates variables, determines causation

ex. scientific method

Limitations to descriptive research?

Does not show cause and effect relationship and is highly susceptible to bias

Internal Validity

Shows how the independent variable causes an influence on the dependent variable

External Validity

Extent to which is can be generalized

ex. other adults, children

Reliability

The consistency of results; its ability to be reproduced

How does one interpret Cronbachs α ? (a measure of internal consistency)

Values closer to 1 = higher internal consistency

What are the essential characteristics of an experiment?

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Independent Variable

Variable that is manipulated

Dependent Variable

Variable that is measured

Control Group

Group not given the treatment

Experimental Group

Group given the treatment

What does correlation measure?

The strength and direction of relationships

Does correlation allow us to infer causation?

Correlation ≠ causation due to possible third variables (confounds).

What is a confound (third variable problem?)

A variable that is not controlled for in the study that could effect the relationship between the variables

How does one interpret a scatterplot?

When both variables increase, the relationship is positive

When variables move in opposite directions, the relationship is negative

If their doesn’t seem to be a pattern, there is zero relationship

Meta-analysis

Combines results from many studies to draw broader conclusions

What are the basic stages of memory?

Encoding, Storage, Retrieval

Encoding

Inputting information

Storage

Maintaining information over time

Retrieval

Accessing stored information

How memories can become ‘activated’ and how repetition affects our neural network?

Strengthen neural pathways → easier recall

What are the reasons students commonly overestimate their knowledge about a topic?

Fluency illusion (mistaking recognition for mastery)

What are effective strategies?

Distributed Practice and Practice Testing

Distributed Practice

Spreading out study sessions over time

Practice Testing

Testing yourself on concepts you haven’t looked over yet; ADD COMPLEXITITY

Interleaving

A schedule of practice that mixes up the materials being studied; the opposite of “blocking”

Why is interleaving effective?

It again strengthens those neurological pathways and helps you connect what you are learning in different classes

When is the most effective time to assess learning?

Right before studying it

Why is self-testing effective?

It focuses on active recall and gives immediate feedback about what you know vs. what you still need to study.

AND

Recalling information reactivates memory traces and strengthens neurological connections

Why is it important to vary study conditions?

Promotes transfer of learning to new situations

Are learning styles associated with learning outcomes?

No