If a study finds a correlation coefficient of $r = 0.85$ between two variables, what is the strength and direction of the relationship?

The relationship is strong and positive , meaning that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase.

To establish a causal claim , which three specific criteria must a research design satisfy according to scientific standards?

Covariance of variables Temporal precedence Internal validity (elimination of alternative explanations)

When assessing the reliability of a measure, what does a test-retest reliability coefficient represent mathematically?

It represents the consistency of scores across two administrations, calculated as the correlation between the first and second scores: $r_{tt} = Cor(X_1, X_2)$.

How does random assignment specifically function to enhance the internal validity of an experiment?

It ensures that participant characteristics are distributed equally across groups, effectively neutralizing the influence of confounding variables .

In a quasi-experimental design , why is it impossible to claim that the independent variable caused the observed effect on the dependent variable?

Because the design lacks random assignment , the researcher cannot rule out pre-existing differences or external factors as potential causes for the change.

A researcher is measuring depression. If the measure produces inconsistent scores for the same individual on the same day, what is the primary measurement problem ?

The measure lacks reliability ; it is unstable and produces excessive error variance.

What is the primary trade-off when prioritizing internal validity over external validity in an experimental study?

High internal validity requires tight control in artificial settings, which often reduces the generalizability (external validity) of the findings to real-world populations.

If a frequency claim reports that $40\%$ of participants hold a specific view, what is the most critical factor for determining if this accurately reflects the population?

The representativeness of the sample, specifically whether the participants were selected using probability sampling techniques.

Define the relationship between construct validity and the operationalization of a variable.

Construct validity evaluates how well a measured variable operationalizes the abstract concept it intends to capture.

What is the primary function of a control group in a randomized controlled trial?

It provides a baseline comparison , allowing researchers to measure the effect of the independent variable against a condition where the intervention is absent.

Identify the risk of participant demand characteristics in a study where participants guess the researcher's hypothesis.

Participants may consciously or unconsciously alter their behavior to confirm the hypothesis, introducing bias that threatens the study's validity.

In single-subject designs , how is the effect of an intervention typically determined?

By comparing the subject's behavior during a baseline phase to their behavior during an intervention phase , often using reversal designs (ABA or ABAB).

If a measure accurately predicts a future outcome, such as an aptitude test predicting job performance, what type of validity is being demonstrated?

Criterion-related validity , specifically predictive validity .

Why is the falsifiability of a hypothesis a core pillar of the scientific method?

For a claim to be scientific, there must be a possibility of conducting an empirical observation that could potentially prove the hypothesis false.

How does experimenter bias differ from participant demand characteristics ?

Experimenter bias involves the researcher's expectations influencing their observations or treatment of participants, whereas demand characteristics involve the participant changing behavior based on their perception of the study.

Research Methodology And Scientific Reasoning In Psychology Final Assessment Flashcards

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Research Methodology and Scientific Reasoning in Psychology Final Assessment

This deck covers essential psychological research methodologies, including design types, validity metrics, and the ethical evaluation of empirical claims.

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by @janel_yadao

Q: If a study finds a correlation coefficient of $r = 0.85$ between two variables, wha...

Q: To establish a causal claim, which three specific criteria must a research design s...

Q: When assessing the reliability of a measure, what does a test-retest reliab...

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