Research Methods
Define the Milgram experiment
An experiment in which Milgram wanted to determine whether participants would administer painful shocks to others merely because they were instructed to do so. The outcome raised major ethical questions.
When calculating statistics, the _______ is a better measure of variance than the range because, like the mean, it uses all the data points in its calculations.
Standard deviation
Define frequency distribution
An arrangement of data that indicates how often a particular score or observation occurs
Researchers perform a variety of statistical tests, called inferential tests, which are used to determine ________.
Statistical significance
When conducting a public survey, what is the advantage of taking a random sample from the population?
Each person has an equal chance of being represented in a random sample.
How do inferential statistics describe data differently from descriptive statistics?
Inferential statistics are used to help researchers make generalizations about the sample or predictions of future behavior.
Define correlation coefficient
A statistic that describes the direction and strength of a relationship between two sets of variables.
Define measures of central tendency
Mode: number that occurs most Median: “middle” score Mean: average
What is a longitudinal study and why is it used in research?
Psychologists study the same group of people at regular intervals over a period of years to determine whether their behavior and feelings having have changed.
What is the difference between a single- blind and double-blind experiment?
In a single-blind experiment, only the participants do not know whether they are in the experimental group or the control group. In a double-blind, neither the participants nor the experimenter knows.
Define hypothesis
A tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
Researchers use double-blind techniques in their experiments to avoid a __________.
Self-fulfilling prophecy.
The __________ is the changes in a patient’s illness or physical state that results from the patients perceptions of the treatment when no actual change should have occurred.
Define experimental group
Participants in an experiment who are exposed to a level of the independent variable.
Define control group
The group of participants who are treated in the same way as the experimental group except that the experimental treatment, is not applied.
When do researchers use naturalistic observation?
Naturalistic observations are useful for observing visible behaviors in a natural setting where the human is unaware of the experiment.
What are the steps in the scientific method?
Formulate a question Make a hypothesis Complete the experiment Analyze the results Make a conclusion Create a theory
___________ are the methods of conduct, or standards, for proper and responsible behavior.
Ethics
_________ include distributions of data, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, and correlation coefficients.