Psychology as a Science

Psychology - Revision Yr 10

2020

Unit 1 - Psychology as a Science - Topics

• Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

• Roles

• Responsibilities

• The Scientific Method

• Psychological Research Methods

• Ethics

Multiple Select

A psychologist can:

(Choose all that apply)

• Conduct research

• Prescribe medication

• Diagnose Mental Disorders

• Perform medical procedures

• Conduct psychological tests

Multiple Select

A psychiatrist can:

(Choose all that apply)

• Conduct research

• Prescribe medication

• Diagnose Mental Disorders

• Perform medical procedures

• Conduct psychological tests

Multiple Select

Some specialisations in Psychology include:

(Choose all that apply)

• Circus

• Sports

• Clinical

• Forensic

• Counselling

Fill in the Blank

The Scientific method includes the following steps:

1. identify the topic of interest

2. formulate the hypothesis

3. select the research method and design the study

4.

5. analyse the data

6. draw conclusions

7. report the findings.

Fill in step 4.

Open Ended

Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data.

Multiple Choice

Identify an example of qualitative data from the following

• Heart rate in Beats per Minute

• IQ test score

• Thematic Apperception Test response

• Height in cm

Open Ended

Distinguish between sample and population

Multiple Choice

A sample which accurately reflects the population is known as:

• a responsible sample

• a biased sample

• a representative sample

A representative sample:

a true representation of the population

A bias sample:

Not a true representation of a population

Fill in the Blank

A method to reduce a biased sample and ensure every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected is known as:

Multiple Choice

In an experiment, the variable that is measured is the:

• confounding variable

• dependent variable

• independent variable

• extraneous variable

Multiple Choice

In an experiment, the variable that is modified is the:

• confounding variable

• dependent variable

• independent variable

• extraneous variable

Variables

•A variable is any factor that can change in either amount or type over time.

•The independent variable (IV) is the variable that is actively manipulated, changed or varied by the experimenter to assess its effects on participants’ responses.

•The dependent variable (DV) is expected to change as a result of the IV and is observed/measured by the experimenter.

Multiple Choice

In an experiment, a group of participants who is not exposed to the independent variable is called the:

• Control Group

• Experimental Group

Multiple Choice

Identify the Experimental Group:

Workers at a company were assigned to one of two conditions: One group completed a stress management training program; another group of workers did not participate in the training. The number of sick days taken by these workers was examined for the next 2 months.

• Workers exposed to the training

• Workers not exposed to the training

Control Group V Experimental Group

• Experimental group is exposed to the independent variable

• Control group is not exposed to the independent variable

• The control and experimental groups' dependent variable results are compared to test the effect of the independent variable.

Multiple Choice

Identify the Dependent Variable:

Workers at a company were assigned to one of two conditions: One group completed a stress management training program; another group of workers did not participate in the training. The number of sick days taken by these workers was examined for the next 2 months.

• Workers

• Stress

• Sick days

• Training Program Participation

Stress was the topic of the study, yes.

However, the number of sick days was the measurable determinate of stress. Therefore the dependent variable was number of sick days.

Do not complicate things - when asked for the dependent variable, ask yourself: 'What is being measured?'

(heads up for Year 11: we call this operalisation)

Multiple Choice

Identify the Independent Variable:

Workers at a company were assigned to one of two conditions: One group completed a stress management training program; another group of workers did not participate in the training. The number of sick days taken by these workers was examined for the next 2 months.

• Workers

• Stress

• Sick days

• Training Program Participation

The participants are exposed to a training program, or not.

This is the variable that is modified.

Multiple Choice

An extraneous variable is:

• a variable which requires a lot of activity

• any variable other than the IV which can cause change in the DV, affecting the results of the experiment

• any variable other than the DV which can cause change in the IV, affecting the results of the experiment

• a very concerned variable

Extraneous variables can affect the DV, causing unwanted results.

Extraneous variables must be controlled for.

Multiple Select

Identify a possible Extraneous Variable:

Workers at a company were assigned to one of two conditions: One group completed a stress management training program; another group of workers did not participate in the training. The number of sick days taken by these workers was examined for the next 2 months.

• Workers

• Stress

• Sick days

• Training Program Participation

The participants (workers) could present with extraneous variables, such as taking sick days to care for children or family members.

This must be a consideration experimenters need to control for.

Open Ended

Propose a way to control for the Extraneous Variable you have identified in the previous question.

If you answered:

• Use only single, otherwise healthy and dedicated workers as participants...

• You would be correct.

• Controlling for extraneous variables is an important part of the research process.

• Isolating the independent variable within an experiment when dealing with people is a major part of determining the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable.

Experimental and Non-experimental Research Methods

Multiple Choice

Experiments can take place in one of two forms;

• Office and Public

• Lab and Field

• Natural and Clinical

• Faith and Fate

Experiments can take place in either

• Lab

• Field

Open Ended

Identify one strength (advantage) and one limitation (disadvantage) of Lab Experiments.

Open Ended

Compare lab and field experiments.

Compare Lab and Field Experiments

When asked a question like this in an exam:

• Identify one difference between.
• Identify one similarity between.
• Give an example of when each thing is used to support your answer.

(Generally a 4 mark question in senior exams)

Multiple Select

Identify all non-experimental research methods in psychology:

• Naturalistic Observation

• Clinical Observation

• Case Studies

• Surveys

• Behaviour Evaluation Analysis

Naturalistic Observation

• Data is obtained by observing natural conditions without influence

• Researcher is to remain out of view

Observer Effect

A participant's behaviour is influenced by knowledge of an observer's presence.

Observer Bias

An observer allows their own expectations, experience, motives or other personal factors interfere with the accuracy of their observations.

Open Ended

Distinguish between Observer Bias and Observer Effect

Poll

In your opinion, the best advantage (strength) of a Survey is:

• Quick and Cost effective data collection

• Simple, easy to analyse data

• Data collection can be anonymous

Surveys

Strengths

•Quick and Cost effective data collection

•Simple, easy to analyse data

•Data collection can be anonymous

Limitations

•Question wording takes time and confusing questions can lead to uncertain answers affecting data

•Surveys delivered in person may affect data collected

Multiple Select

Explain why a case study would be used:

(choose all appropriate answers)

• A specific variable is identified

• A small sample size

• An extended period of time

• A large sample size

Case Studies

Are in depth studies on an individual or group of individuals selected due to a particular variable of specific interest to the scientific community. Case studies are often longitudinal, requiring an extended period of time and repetitive testing. Data can be collected via:

• interviews
• direct observation
• examination of past records
• psychological testing

The following questions relate to the Ethical Considerations all psychologists are required to follow.

Multiple Choice

Identify the ethical consideration relating to a client's or participant's right to privacy:

• Debriefing

• Confidentiality

• Informed Consent

• Professional Conduct

Multiple Choice

Identify the ethical consideration relating to a client's or participant's right to agree in writing to treatment or experimentation

• Withdrawal

• Informed Consent

• Deception

• Voluntary Participation

Multiple Choice

Identify the ethical consideration relating to a client's or participant's right to willingly participate in experimentation or treatment without force, coercion or fear of punishment.

• Withdrawal

• Informed Consent

• Deception

• Voluntary Participation

Multiple Choice

Identify the ethical consideration relating to a client's or participant's right to made aware they can leave experimentation or treatment without force, coercion or fear of punishment.

• Withdrawal

• Informed Consent

• Deception

• Voluntary Participation

Multiple Choice

Identify the ethical consideration relating to a client's or participant's right to made aware of the procedures and results of the experiment or treatment.

• Debriefing

• Informed Consent

• Deception

• Voluntary Participation

You have completed Unit 1 study.

Increase your Trace-Dependent Cues.

Repeat exposure to content and questions.

Refine your answers.

Strengthen your synpases.