Psychology Test #1 (2)

A theory is a set of formal statements that explains how and why certain events are related to one another. They are broader than hypotheses and typically specify lawful relationships between certain behaviours and their causes.

The problem with relying solely on hindsight is that related past events can be explained in many creative, reasonable and sometimes contradictory ways. There is no sure way to determine which- if any- of the alternatives is correct.

Advantages: can administer questionnaires/interviews to many people. can show attitudes, opinions and behaviours. Disadvantages: unrepresentative sample can lead to invalid results. surveys rely on self-report (social desireability bias, interviewer bias). can't determine cause and effect.

A positive correlation: higher scores on one variable are associated with higher scores on the second variable. A negative correlation: higher scores on one variable are associated with lower scores on the second variable. correlation coefficient--> r = + 0.37 + or - sign indicates direction of variable number indicates strength of relationship (0.00 to 1.00)

Independent variable: refers to factor that is manipulated by the experimenter. Dependent variable: the factor that is measured by the experimenter; may be influenced by the independent variable. Dependent variable depends upon the independent variable.

Surveys: random sampling is used to select individuals in each sub-group to be in the survey. Experiments: each participant has an equal likelihood of being assigned to any one group within the experiment.

Experimental: researcher manipulates one or more (independent) variables and measures their effect on other (dependent) variables. Most experiments take place in a laboratory. Can keep extraneous factors constant. Descriptive/Correlational: all variables are measured. Typically conducted in more natural contexts. Investigators cannot keep extraneous factors constant.