Topic Review

Explain why having low statistical power could be considered a limitation for a statistical test.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Low statistical power could be considered a limitation in statistics because statistical power refers to the probability of correctly finding adequate support for a research hypothesis. If a statistical test has low power, then it is limited in finding adequate support. As a result, this increases the probability of making statistical significance errors and could lead to a researcher making inaccurate assumptions or misinterpreting statistical data.

Define statistics and give an example of three types of variables that researchers study using statistics.

Statistics is a set of methods that researchers use to collect and analyze information or data about different variables. An example of a variable can be behavior, facts, performance, beliefs, attitudes, or emotions. Specific examples of variables such as age, height, depression, exercise habits, and self-esteem are also acceptable.

Although statistics may be limiting for individuals in some ways, explain its overall importance in advancing societal issues concerning tolerance and diversity.

Statistics is important in advancing societal issues concerning tolerance and diversity because it helps to promote positive change. For example, if researchers find repeated statistical support that students with learning disabilities show improvement in academic performance after implementing an alternative learning program, then action towards improving conditions for various learning levels is more likely to occur. Statistics also advances levels of tolerance within societies as it assists in exploring alternative opinions, experiences, and beliefs of other cultures or minorities. This allows society to gain a better understanding or broader perspective of interpersonal relationships.

Depending on the study, it is sometimes necessary for psychologists to be deceptive.

True

Vivisection refers to the live dissection of animals or the use of live animals for experimental research.

True

Which of the following statements concerning a valid study is correct? A. A valid study allows the researcher to draw accurate conclusions. B. A valid study does not have to be reliable. C. A valid study is inadequate in predicting a specific outcome. D. A valid study utilizes a poorly designed measure.

A. A valid study allows the researcher to draw accurate conclusions.

A Type I significance error occurs when a researcher claims that there is __________. A. enough statistical support for the research hypothesis when there is not B. not enough statistical support for the research hypothesis when there is C. enough statistical support for the research hypothesis when there is D. not enough statistical support for the research hypothesis when there is not

A. enough statistical support for the research hypothesis when there is not

If a researcher only wanted to examine the relationship between exercise and grade point average, _________ would be used to test the variables. A. correlation analysis B. regression C. hypothesis D. central tendency measures

A. Correlation analysis

Under the universal standards of conduct, psychological researchers must do all of the following except __________. A. minimize exploitation B. demonstrate competence C. gain informed consent D. respect the subject's privacy

A. Minimize exploitation

Read the passage from a fictional article below and answer the question that follows. Although each of the subjects knew they could quit at any time, none of them asked to stop the experiment. They all continued to the bitter end. -Jimmy Olsen, page 251 Now read the following passages from a separate article. Which of the following uses of the above passage is not considered plagiarism? A. Each of the subjects knew they could quit, but none of them asked to stop the experiment. In fact, they all continued to the bitter end, even though they were very anxious (Olsen 251). B. Even Olsen seemed surprised by the findings. He remarked that "although each of the subjects knew they could quit at any time...[t]hey all continued to the bitter end" (Olsen 251). C. Although the subjects knew they could quit, none of them even asked to stop the experiment! D. And as we look at these subjects, although clearly anxious, none of them asked to stop the experiment. They all continued to the bitter end (Olsen 251).

B. Even Olsen seemed surprised by the findings. He remarked that "although each of the subjects knew they could quit at any time...[t]hey all continued to the bitter end" (Olsen 251).

What is the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principle of Psychologists and Code of Conduct based upon? A. The work of a dozen world-renowned philosophers and ethical savants. B. The feedback of thousands of psychologists and their ethical struggles. C. The regulatory power and authority of the United States Constitution. D. The Hippocratic rules and guidelines of medical practitioners and surgeons.

B. The feedback of thousands of psychologists and their ethical struggles.

When an unauthorized person is able to read confidential psychological information, the responsible psychologist has experienced __________. A. data torrenting B. custodial loss C. data sharing D. psychological loss

B. Custodial Loss

A two-tailed hypothesis test is used to evaluate __________. A. only a nondirectional hypothesis B. both a nondirectional and directional hypothesis C. only a directional hypothesis D. both a critical and comparative hypothesis

B. both a nondirectional and directional hypothesis

A psychologist, whose primary focus is sleep behaviors, gives an acquaintance advice regarding psychiatric medication. The psychologist is considered an expert in his field. Why is this behavior unethical? A. The psychologist did not charge the correct fee for his advice. B. The psychologist gave incorrect advice to the acquaintance. C. The psychologist was not qualified to give psychiatric advice. D. The psychologist cannot give advice to someone who is not a patient.

C. The psychologist was not qualified to give psychiatric advice.

Loftus used her research to prove that __________. A. memories of childhood trauma are usually true B. adults' memories are concrete and rigid C. children have better memories than adults D. false memories could be created using suggestion

D. false memories could be created using suggestion