Experimental Psychology Midterms Review

WHAT IS A HYPOTHESIS?

Answer explanation

A hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction about the relationship between variables. It serves as a foundation for scientific investigation, guiding research and experimentation.

WHAT IS TESTABILITY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Answer explanation

Testability refers to how easily a system can be tested. It's important because high testability leads to better quality software, easier maintenance, and faster identification of defects, ultimately saving time and resources.

WHY SHOULD HYPOTHESIS BE PARSIMONIOUS?

Answer explanation

Hypotheses should be parsimonious to ensure simplicity and clarity. A simpler hypothesis is easier to test and understand, reducing the risk of overfitting and making it more likely to be valid across different contexts.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL WAY TO DEVELOP HYPOTHESIS?

Answer explanation

The most useful way to develop a hypothesis is to start with observations and questions, then formulate a testable statement that predicts an outcome based on those observations. This approach ensures clarity and focus in research.

HOW DOES A REVIEW OF PRIOR EXPERIMENTS HELPS US DEVELOP A HYPOTHESIS?

Answer explanation

A review of prior experiments provides insights into existing knowledge, identifies gaps, and suggests relationships between variables, which helps in formulating a testable hypothesis.

WHAT IS INDEPENDENT VARIABLE?

Answer explanation

An independent variable is a factor that is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on a dependent variable. It is the variable that is changed to test its impact.

EXPLAIN CONFOUNDING.

Answer explanation

Confounding occurs when an external variable influences both the independent and dependent variables, leading to a false association. It can obscure the true relationship between the variables being studied.

WHAT IS DEPENDENT VARIABLE?

Answer explanation

A dependent variable is the outcome or response that is measured in an experiment. It changes in response to the independent variable, which is manipulated by the researcher.

WHAT IS AN OPERATIONAL DEFINITION?

Answer explanation

An operational definition specifies how a concept or variable is measured or identified in practical terms, allowing for clear and consistent understanding in research or experimentation.

What does an interval scale measure?

• Magnitude of the dependent variable using equal intervals

• Magnitude of the dependent variable using ranks

• Magnitude of the dependent variable using absolute zero

Answer explanation

An interval scale measures the magnitude of a dependent variable using equal intervals between values, allowing for meaningful comparisons. This distinguishes it from ordinal scales, which use ranks, and ratio scales, which include an absolute zero.