Psych Research

Define Hypothesis

Define Hypothesis

A statement that can be refuted based off the results of an observed experiment

The Characteristics of a Hypothesis

• Predict the difference

• Precise statements

• refutable

The Null Hypothesis

Predicts no change

One Tailed Hypothesis

Predicts an effect in one direction (variable predicted to be greater than the others)

Two Tailed Hypothesis

Predicts an effect in two directions (variable predicted to be greater or lesser than the others)

Define Operationalizing a Variable

This means expressing a variable in a term that can be measured.

For example, sleep could be measured in time.

Define Extraneous Variables

Unforseen/uncontrollable External factors that influence the outcome of the experiment

Define Confounding Variables

Affects the relationship between the IV and DV and impacts results of experiment

Define Theory

• explain the long-term consequences of human behavior

• • provide robust evidence-based clarifications as to why people believe, behave, and react how they do

1. What is meant by a “fixed mindset?” What is meant by a “growth mindset?”

a. Fixed = belief that intelligence/traits/personality are set, and cannot grow/change

b. Growth = belief that abilities and be developed/changed with effort

What is Dweck’s theory about the effect of praise (1988)?

1. Praise focused on intelligence cultivates a fixed mindset, and does not encourage effort/creates fear of appearing inept

2. Praise focused on effort encourages growth and ultimately results in better performance compared to students with fixed mindsets

1. How does Dweck carry out research to test her theory? What was her procedure?

1. Had two groups of students, both carrying out the same task

2. First group praised on intelligence, second group praised on effort

3. Followed up both groups with a survey

4. Both groups then performed challenging tasks, followed by easier tasks

5. Both groups then had to anonymously self-report their score

1. What were Dweck’s findings? What were the results of her study?

1. Easier task was more appealing to Intelligence Praised Group (IPG), and when performing challenging tasks, lost motivation and confidence, which then affected performance on easier task. A larger portion of IPGS compared to Effort Praised Group (EPG) lied about their score

2. EPG were excited to try challenges and were not discouraged when task was hard. They stayed motivated and cheated less compared to the IPG.

1. Finally, what are the implications for her research? What do they mean for our own school community?

1. Apply the findings to how we praise children in school and home settings

2. CHoose to praise them for their effort and not results, so that they can develop to be more resilient and build self-esteem on solid foundations

What does TEACUP stand for?

Testable:

Empirical support:

Application:

Clearly defined variables:

Unbiased:

Predicts behavior:

What does empirical support mean

A good theory has evidence to support it. Good empirical support is not from a highly artificial situation and it is reliable (the evidence can be replicated).

What is random sampling

• all the people in the target population have an equal chance of being chosen for the research

What is the advantage of random sampling

• Limits conscious bias

Disadvanteg of random sampling

• May take time

• Might not be accurate reflection of demographics

• Participants might not be committed

Stratified Sampling

• This is designed to make sure that the sample is truly representative of the population

• It is done by breaking the whole population down into sub-groups and then making sure that the sub-groups in the sample are in proportion with the whole population.

Strat. sampling adv

• More likely to accurately reflect population

Strat sampling disadv

• Tricky to accurately/effectively sort population into subgroups

• Takes time

• Participants might not be committed

oppurtunity sampling

• Also known as a convenience sample. This is surveying whoever is there and  is ready to take part.

opp sampling adv

Quicker

easy to access

opp sampling disavant

• Higher chance of biased data (only get data from pro-social people/location data collected in may affect reflection of population)

Self-Selected Sampling

• Also, known as a volunteer sample. Simply get those who are willing to take part.

self selected advat=ng

• Quicker

• People who sign up are more likely to be committed to the research

self selected sampling disavatnge

• Self selection bias

  • Affects accuracy of reflection of population

Purposive sampling

• looking for people with a very specific set of traits.

• Often accomplished with self-selected sampling

purposive sampling advantage

• Can target niche demographics for specific data

• Can get data  on extremes

purposive sampling disavantage

• Prone to researcher bias

snowball sampling

• type of purposive sampling, but network sampling is used when you are looking for participants from a specific group which would not respond to an ad in a paper.

snowball sampling advanatge

• Quicker to find participants

• Cost effective

snowball sampling disavanateg

• Sampling bias

• RIsk of lack of cooperation

What is + Who benefits from Informed Consent

Participant consents to terms of experiment

• Researcher benefit

  • Not held liable

• participant benefit

  • Don't have to do anything they don't consent to

What is + Who benefits from Deception

• Researchers can withhold details of investigation

• Have to keep in anything that can harm/violate

• Researcher benefit

  • Nothing will impact the result of the experiment

What is + Who benefits from Confidentiality

• Information of participant will be kept private

• Participant benefit

  • Can be anonymous

What is + Who benefits from Right to Withdraw

• At any point participant can back out of experiment

• Participant benefit

  • Not forced to participate

What is + Who benefits from Protection from Harm

• Experiment cannot harm participant

  • Researcher benefit

    • Not held liable

  • participant benefit

    • Don't have to do anything they causes harm