exam 2 study guide

Differences in Scientific Concepts

• Theory vs. Hypothesis

  • Theory: Offers explanations for phenomena.

  • Hypothesis: A specific framed statement predicting an outcome.

• Sample vs. Population

  • Population: The entire group to draw conclusions about.

  • Sample: The specific subset collected data from.

• Applied Research vs. Basic Research

  • Basic Research: Focuses on finding causal explanations.

  • Applied Research: Uses findings to modify behavior or phenomena.

Research Development Process

• Researchers start by asking questions to develop their research projects.

Theory Criteria

• OCAM's Razor: Refers to parsimony; favor simpler explanations.

• Comprehensiveness: Refers to inclusivity and productivity of the theory.

• Falsification: The hypothesis must be predictable and testable.

Controlling Experimental Bias

• Double Blind: Both participants and researchers are unaware of group assignments to prevent bias.

• Participant Bias: Participants may tailor their responses to what they think researchers want to hear.

• Random Assignment: Important for controlling participant bias and ensuring validity.

Research Design Types

• Within Participant Subject Design: Uses the same participants across all conditions, providing repeated measures.

• Laboratory Research: Offers the most control over variables.

• Field Research: Provides the highest mundane realism but typically lower control.

• External Validity: Laboratory experiments often have poor external validity due to artificial settings.

Research Methodologies

• Quantitative Research: Focused on measuring and testing hypotheses through numerical data.

• Replication: Involves duplicating studies to verify consistency of results.

• Experimental Realism: Ensured by having participants fully invested in the experiment.

• Pilot Study: A quick test conducted to evaluate the feasibility and structure of the study.

• Programs of Study: Long-term experimental series aiming for multiple publications.

Sampling Techniques

• Random Assignment: Best for ensuring equality among groups in experimental designs.

• Matched or Yoked Samples: Used to compare two groups while controlling for specific characteristics.

Validity and Reliability

• Validity: Measurement outcome consistency.

• Reliability: The degree to which an assessment tool produces stable and consistent results.

Statistical Tests

• One Sample Z Test: First statistical question in the exam.

• One Sample T Test: Second statistical question.

• Related Samples T Test: Third statistical question.

• Manipulation Checks: Employed to assess internal reliability for surveys.