IB: Research Methods Review

What is scientific psychology?

• The study of human behavior through anecdotal evidence.

• The study of the mind and behavior using systematic and objective methods.

• The study of the mind through philosophical reasoning.

• The study of human behavior through personal experiences.

How can we tell if a research study is credible?

• If it has a large sample size.

• If it is published in a reputable journal and follows rigorous scientific methods.

• If it has interesting findings.

• If it is conducted by a well-known researcher.

How can we study subjective phenomena objectively?

• By ignoring subjective phenomena altogether.

• By using self-report measures and ensuring they are reliable and valid.

• By relying solely on qualitative data.

• By using anecdotal evidence.

How is correlation different from causation?

• Correlation implies causation.

• Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, while causation indicates that one variable directly affects another.

• Causation implies correlation.

• There is no difference between correlation and causation.

How is quantitative research different from qualitative research?

• Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, while qualitative research focuses on descriptive data.

• Quantitative research is subjective, while qualitative research is objective.

• Quantitative research uses small sample sizes, while qualitative research uses large sample sizes.

• Quantitative research is less reliable than qualitative research.

Why do experiments allow cause-and-effect inferences?

• Because they use large sample sizes.

• Because they control for extraneous variables and manipulate the independent variable.

• Because they are conducted in natural settings.

• Because they use qualitative data.

How can bias in experimental research be prevented?

• By using random assignment and double-blind procedures.

• By using only qualitative data.

• By having a small sample size.

• By using anecdotal evidence.

How can experiments be designed?

• By using only one group of participants.

• By having a control group and an experimental group.

• By not controlling any variables.

• By using only qualitative methods.

What does it mean for two variables to correlate with each other?

• One variable causes the other.

• There is a relationship between the two variables.

• The variables are unrelated.

• One variable is dependent on the other.

What should be avoided when interpreting correlations?

• Assuming causation from correlation.

• Looking for patterns in the data.

• Using large sample sizes.

• Using statistical methods.