Exam 2: Psychology’s Scientific Method

Which of the following is NOT a guideline one should follow when consuming psychological information critically and wisely?

After a psychological research study has been completed,the researchers should inform the participants of its purpose and the methods they used.According to the American Psychological Association (APA)guidelines,which of the following addresses this issue?

In a psychological experiment,the dependent variable is the cause and the independent variable is the effect.

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies a case study as a method of descriptive research in psychology?

Aaron participates in a reality show on television.The reality show subjects its contestants to frightening situations which also include exposure to certain paranormal activities.The participants are not informed about the fact that their experiences might be frightening.After the first day on the show,Aaron wishes to withdraw from the show.In the context of ethics guidelines in psychological research:

In the context of psychological research methods,a(n)_____ is a carefully regulated procedure in which the researcher manipulates one or more variables that are believed to influence some other variable.

Rebecca reads an article in her daily newspaper that quotes a research finding that most babies start walking at the age of eight months.However,Rebecca's one-year-old daughter,Jenna,hasn't starting walking yet.Should Rebecca be concerned? Why?

When psychologists conduct a study,a _____ sample gives every member of the population an equal chance of being selected.

When a psychological study uses deception,the principle of informed consent is violated.

Which of the following is NOT a guideline one should follow if one wants to explore the benefits of writing in one's own life?

A history class of 50 students has agreed to be the subject of a research study.Half of the class has been asked to study for the next history test while listening to classical music.The remaining half has been asked to study in a completely silent environment.The test scores of the two groups will be compared at the end of the experiment.In this experiment,which of the following is the dependent variable?

In the context of the scientific method of psychology,data refers to all the information a researcher collects when carrying out a study.

Inmates at a correctional facility take part in an experiment on social development.Once the experiment is over,the correctional officer goes home and tells his roommates about the results of the study and about the inmates who did not perform well.In this scenario,which ethical guideline of psychological research has been violated by the correctional officer?

In the context of ethical guidelines in psychological research,when data are confidential:

Dr.Kate proposes that students find it difficult to return to their academic schedules after spring break.Specifically,she predicts that every year there will be more student absences on the Monday following spring break than on the Friday before spring break.The first statement describes the _____,while the second is the _____.

Joaquin has been assigned a research project in his psychology class.He must observe student behavior during a learning task and attempt to form a(n)_____,which is a broad idea that describes other ideas and how they may be related.

Define the term external validity and determine the research technique that provides the highest degree of external validity.

In a psychological experiment,the experimental group is exposed to the change that the independent variable represents.

Explain the third variable problem of correlational research with an example.

Justin,a psychologist,wants to study the behavior of call center employees when they attend a call.Which of the following research settings would be most effective for this study?