Psychology - Research Methods

• What is a lab experiment in psychology?


  A lab experiment is a research method where the researcher exerts high control over the experimental process.
• Why do researchers control environmental factors in lab experiments?


  To clearly observe and measure the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
• What are extraneous variables in a lab experiment?


  Extraneous variables are environmental factors that could affect the outcome of the experiment.
• What is the purpose of using a standardised procedure in lab experiments?


  To ensure replicability and reliability of the research findings.
• What must be kept constant in a lab experiment?


  All variables except the independent variable must be kept constant.
• How does keeping all variables constant affect the dependent variable?


  It allows the dependent variable to be measured exactly using quantitative data.
• What are the strengths and limitations of lab experiments?


  Strengths:

  • High control allows for cause and effect conclusions.
  • Standardised procedures increase reliability.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Demand characteristics may impair validity.
  • Often lacks ecological validity due to artificial settings.
• What is a field experiment in psychology?


  A field experiment is conducted in a natural setting with less control over the experimental process.
• What is an example of a field experiment?

  A confederate pretends to collapse on a subway train to measure how many people help.
• What types of data can field experiments collect?


  Field experiments can collect both quantitative and qualitative data.
• What are the strengths and limitations of field experiments?


  Strengths:

  • Higher ecological validity due to real-life settings.
  • Reduced demand characteristics as participants are unaware of being studied.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Harder to control extraneous variables.
  • More difficult to randomly assign participants.
• What is a natural experiment?


  A natural experiment uses naturally occurring phenomena without manipulating the independent variable.
• What is an example of a natural experiment?


  Comparing digit-span recall between young and older people.
• What is a limitation of natural experiments?


  It is difficult to establish a cause and effect relationship due to uncontrolled variables.
• What are the strengths and limitations of natural experiments?


  Strengths:

  • Allows research in areas where controlled experiments cannot.
  • High external validity due to natural settings.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Difficult to replicate the same situation.
  • Many uncontrolled variables may affect outcomes.
• What are the main categories of psychological disorders mentioned in the study material?

  Phobias, Depression, OCD, and Schizophrenia
• What are the key components of the Behavioural Treatments of Phobias?


  • Exposure therapy
  • Systematic desensitization
  • Flooding
• What are the characteristics of Depression?


  Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue
• What are the cognitive explanations of Depression?


  • Negative thought patterns
  • Cognitive distortions
  • Learned helplessness
• What are the cognitive treatments of Depression?

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Challenging negative thoughts
  • Behavioral activation
• What are the characteristics of OCD?


  Obsessions and compulsions
• What are the biological explanations of OCD?


  • Genetic factors
  • Neurotransmitter imbalances
  • Brain structure abnormalities
• What are the biological treatments of OCD?

  • SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
  • Antidepressants
  • Psychosurgery (in severe cases)
• What are the main approaches in Psychology?

  1. Learning Approaches
  2. Cognitive Approach
  3. Biological Approach
  4. Psychodynamic Approach
  5. Humanistic Psychology
• What are the key components of the Behaviourist Approach?


  • Classical conditioning
  • Operant conditioning
  • Reinforcement and punishment
• What is the significance of Skinner's research?


  • Demonstrated operant conditioning
  • Introduced reinforcement schedules
  • Showed the impact of consequences on behavior
• What is Social Learning Theory?


  • Learning through observation
  • Imitation of role models
  • Influence of social context on behavior
• What are the key components of the Cognitive Approach?


  • Study of internal mental processes
  • Role of schemas
  • Emergence of cognitive neuroscience
• What is the role of schemas in the Cognitive Approach?


  • Mental frameworks for organizing information
  • Influence perception and memory
  • Guide behavior and expectations
• What is the Biological Approach in Psychology?


  • Focus on genetic influences
  • Study of biological structures and neurochemistry
  • Examination of genotype and phenotype
• What is the Psychodynamic Approach?


  • Emphasizes the role of the unconscious
  • Structure of personality (id, ego, superego)
  • Defense mechanisms and psychosexual stages
• What is Humanistic Psychology?


  • Focus on free will and self-actualization
  • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
  • Influence on counseling psychology
• What are the components of the Nervous System?


  • Central Nervous System (CNS)
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
  • Sensory, relay, and motor neurons
• What is synaptic transmission?


  • Process of neurotransmitter release
  • Communication between neurons
  • Involves synapses
• What is the function of the Endocrine System?


  • Regulates hormones
  • Controls bodily functions
  • Influences behavior and mood
• What is the Fight or Flight Response?


  • Physiological reaction to stress
  • Prepares body for action
  • Involves adrenaline release
• What are the types of biological rhythms?

  • Circadian rhythms
  • Infradian rhythms
  • Ultradian rhythms
• What are the features of scientific research methods?

  • Experimental method
  • Observational techniques
  • Self-report techniques
• What is the purpose of a hypothesis in research?


  • Testable prediction
  • Guides research design
  • Basis for experimentation
• What are the ethical considerations in psychological research?


  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality
  • Debriefing