Psychology Ch. 2

What is a hypothesis, and how is it related to a theory?

A clear, predictive statement. When hypotheses go through experiments, if it is supported many times, it can become a theory.

What is a theory? What are the criteria for evaluating scientific theories?

An explanation or model that fits many observations and makes accurate predictions. 1. Falsifiable 2. Parsimony (simplest, most consisten assumption)

Discuss why psychology is a science

Word "science" derives from Latin word meaning "knowledge". Science is a search for knowledge based on carefully observed, replicable data. Psychological researchers also use scientific methods to better understand topics in psychology.

What is informed consent? Other steps to ensure ethical studies?

statement that they have been told what to expect and that they agree to continue. Guardian consultation Prevent risky behaviors

What are the components of an experiment? What makes it different from other research methods?

Independent variable: item that is changed/controlled Dependent variable: item that is measured, changes based on independent variable Experimental group: receives treatment that an experiment is designed to test Control group: group treated same way as experimental group except for procedure that the experiment is designed to test

What does it mean for a theory or hypothesis to be falsifiable?

It is stated in such clear, precise terms that we can see what evidence would count against it. Basically, we can imagine something that would count as evidence against the theory.

What is the correlation coefficient? What does it tell us about the relationship between two variables?

Mathematical estimate of the relationship between two variables. It tell us HOW two things are related, negatively, positively, or not at all.

What are descriptive stats and what are various stats used to describe data?

Mathematical summaries of results. ex. correlation coefficient

What does a correlational study tell us?

Measures the relation between two variables without controlling either variable.

What is a measure of central tendency?

Middle, average score. Mean, median, mode

What is a sample and what is the purpose of sampling?

Part of the whole population that can be studied and generalized to the whole. Convenience sample: group chosen because of its ease of study Representative sample: resembles the population; ratios? Random sample: every individual has an equal chance of being selected Cross cultural sample: groups from at least two cultures

What is the difference between a positive and negative correlation? What range of values can a correlation have? what do the changes within this range signify?

Positive correlation means that as one variable goes up, so does the other. Negative correlation means that as one variable goes up or down, the other goes the opposite way. -1 to 1. -1 is the strongest negative correlation and +1 is the strongest positive correlation.

What is parsimony, and how does it relate to theories?

Preference to simpler, fewer, more consistent assumptions with other well-established theories.

What factors affect the validity of survey research? How might each of these factors impact the findings of a survey?

Sampling, random or representative. Depends which group of people may answer Seriousness of those being interviewed. People might not care about survey

What is a measure of variation?

Spread around the mean, shows distributions of data results. Ex. Range, standard deviation

What is an inferential statistic? How does it differ from a descriptive stat? What is a confidence interval and why is it an inferential stat?

Statements about a large population based on an inference from a small sample. ?? range within which the true population mean lies.

What is replicablility? BUT WHYYY is it important?

The idea that anyone can at least approximately obtain similar results by following the same experimental procedures; consistently repeatable. Credibility, best defense against error

What is random assignment and why is it used?

Use of a chance procedure (drawing names out of a hat) to make sure that every participant has the same probability as any other participant of being assigned to a given group. ?

What is an operational definition and how does it differ from a dictionary definition?

a definition that specifies the operations/procedures used to produce or measure something, ordinarily a way to give it a numerical value. Ex. Affection. Dictionary Definition: level of love for one another, etc. Operational Definition: length of time holding hands.