Methods of Testing in Psychology: Observation, Self-Report, and Experimentation

The video explores the scientific method in psychology, focusing on data collection methods like case studies, observation, self-report, and experimentation. It highlights the limitations of case studies using Phineas Gage's example and discusses the importance of experimentation in understanding behavior. The video also addresses the WEIRD bias in psychological research, emphasizing the need for diverse study populations.

What is the primary goal of using the scientific method in psychology?

• To prove existing theories

• To understand how the mind works

• To avoid ethical issues

• To collect random data

What is a key limitation of case studies in psychology?

• They are too expensive to conduct

• They cannot determine causation

• They are unethical

• They require large sample sizes

How did Phineas Gage's case study contribute to psychology?

• It generated hypotheses about brain functions

• It demonstrated the importance of blood loss in behavior

• It showed that personality is fixed

• It proved the frontal lobe controls vision

What is a major drawback of self-report methods?

• They are too time-consuming

• They require special equipment

• Participants may not be honest

• They are expensive

Why can't observation alone determine the cause of a behavior?

• It is not scientifically valid

• It requires too many observers

• It is too subjective

• It only shows correlation, not causation

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

• The variable that is ignored

• The variable that is manipulated

• The variable that is measured

• The variable that is controlled

What does WEIRD stand for in psychological research?

• Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic

• Worldly, Educated, Intelligent, Rich, Diverse

• Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rational, Diverse

• Worldly, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic