QUESTIONS AND WELL DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS|GRADED
What do psychologists study? - ANSWER • Biological Foundations
• Mental Life
• Change
• Self and Others
• Potential and Dysfunction
What is the scientific method and how is it applied to psychological research? - ANSWER
The scientific method is the set of assumptions, rules, and procedures scientists use to con-
duct research. In addition to requiring that science is verifiable, the scientific method de-
mands that procedures are free of personal bias.
What is the definition of a hypothesis? - ANSWER A specific and falsifiable prediction
about the relationship between two or more variables.
What is an operational definition? Provide an example. - ANSWER An operational defini-
tion refers to a precise statement of how a conceptual variable ( abstract idea that form the
basis of research hypotheses ) which is turned into a measured variable ( varialbes consisting
of numbers that represent the conceptual variables )
(Conceptual Variable) Depression - (operational definition) Number of negative words used
in a creative story; number of appointments made with a psychotherapist
Why are ethical guidelines needed within psychological research? - ANSWER These are
needed with psychological research is the prevent physical and/or emotional harm to the
participants.
What are the various research methods in the field of psychology? - ANSWER Descriptive
Research
1
,Correlational Research
Experimental Research
What is descriptive research? - ANSWER research designed to provide a snapshot of the
current state of affairs.
What is Correlational Research - ANSWER research designed to discover relationships
among variables and to allow the prediction of future events from present knowledge.
What is Experimental Research - ANSWER research in which there is a random assign-
ment of research participants into two groups. This is followed by a manipulation of a given
experience for one group while the other is not manipulated. One group is the experimental
group that receives the manipulation. The other group is the control group that does not.
The two groups are then compared to determine the influence of the manipulation.
What is the relationship between a population and a sample? - ANSWER The people cho-
sen to participate in the research, called a sample, are selected to be representative of all
the people that the researcher wishes to know about, called the population. "Sampling is
the process of selecting a representative group from the population under study. The target
population is the total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn. A sample
is the group of people who take part in the investigation. The people who take part are re-
ferred to as "participants"."
Independent Variable - ANSWER The variable in an experiment that is manipulated or
compared
Dependent Variable - ANSWER The variable in an experiment that is measured; the out-
come of an experiment
Control Group - ANSWER The group of subjects in an experiment that does not receive
the independent variable
2
,Experimental Group - ANSWER EXPERIMENTAL GROUP is the group receiving the inde-
pendent variable
What does a correlational research design examine? Provide an example. - ANSWER re-
search designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the prediction of fu-
ture events from present knowledge.
Describe examples of a positive and a negative correlation. - ANSWER Correlational-To
assess the relationships between and among two or more variables.
Postiive - As children age they get better at math
Negative - Age of a child and the number of diapers they use "Negative correlation, the vari-
ables move in inverse, or opposite, directions. As one variable increases, the other variable
decreases. For example, there is a negative correlation between self-esteem and depression.
Positive correlation is when there is an increase in one variable it is associated with an in-
crease in another variable. For example: with height and weight, taller people tend to be
heavier."
What are the differences in interpretations of correlational and experimental designs? - AN-
SWER In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally occur-
ring variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a change and then
monitors its effects.
"An experiment isolates and manipulates the independent variable to observe its effect on
the dependent variable, and controls the environment in order that extraneous variables
may be eliminated. Experiments establish cause and effect. A correlation identifies variables
and looks for a relationship between them."
What are the four parts of a neuron and its role in neural communication? - ANSWER Cell
Body (Soma), Dendrites, Axon, Myelin Sheath
Cell Body (Soma) - ANSWER contains the nucleus of the cell and keeps the cell alive
Dendrites - ANSWER a branching, treelike fiber which collects information from other
cells and sends the information to the soma
3
, Axon - ANSWER a long, segmented fiber which transmits information away from the cell
body toward other neurons or to the muscles and glands.
Myelin Sheath - ANSWER Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural im-
pulses
What is a neurotransmitter? What are a few examples? - ANSWER Neurochemical mes-
sengers that are released by terminal buttons when an action potential triggers them.
Acetylocholine (ACh), Dopamine, Endorphins, GABA (Gamma Aminobuytric Acid), Gluta-
mate, Serotonin
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) - ANSWER Used in spinal cord to simulate muscle
contractions and in brain to regulate memory, sleeping and dreaming. Undersupply associ-
ated with Alzheimer's disease.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine - ANSWER Used as brains reward system. Involved in move-
ment, motivation, and emotion. Used in learning. Increase = Schizophrenia. Under supply =
Parkinsons
Neurotransmitter: Endorphins - ANSWER Released in response to behaviors such as exer-
cise, orgasm, and eating. Nataural pain reliever. Creates a runners high
Neurotransmitter: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) - ANSWER Major inhibitory neuro-
transmitter. Linked to seizures. Controls fear or anxiety, keeps us calm. Too little GABA can
lead to anxiety.
Neurotransmitter: Glutamate - ANSWER cause overstimulation, migraines, and seizures.
Most common neurotransmitter.
4
What do psychologists study? - ANSWER • Biological Foundations
• Mental Life
• Change
• Self and Others
• Potential and Dysfunction
What is the scientific method and how is it applied to psychological research? - ANSWER
The scientific method is the set of assumptions, rules, and procedures scientists use to con-
duct research. In addition to requiring that science is verifiable, the scientific method de-
mands that procedures are free of personal bias.
What is the definition of a hypothesis? - ANSWER A specific and falsifiable prediction
about the relationship between two or more variables.
What is an operational definition? Provide an example. - ANSWER An operational defini-
tion refers to a precise statement of how a conceptual variable ( abstract idea that form the
basis of research hypotheses ) which is turned into a measured variable ( varialbes consisting
of numbers that represent the conceptual variables )
(Conceptual Variable) Depression - (operational definition) Number of negative words used
in a creative story; number of appointments made with a psychotherapist
Why are ethical guidelines needed within psychological research? - ANSWER These are
needed with psychological research is the prevent physical and/or emotional harm to the
participants.
What are the various research methods in the field of psychology? - ANSWER Descriptive
Research
1
,Correlational Research
Experimental Research
What is descriptive research? - ANSWER research designed to provide a snapshot of the
current state of affairs.
What is Correlational Research - ANSWER research designed to discover relationships
among variables and to allow the prediction of future events from present knowledge.
What is Experimental Research - ANSWER research in which there is a random assign-
ment of research participants into two groups. This is followed by a manipulation of a given
experience for one group while the other is not manipulated. One group is the experimental
group that receives the manipulation. The other group is the control group that does not.
The two groups are then compared to determine the influence of the manipulation.
What is the relationship between a population and a sample? - ANSWER The people cho-
sen to participate in the research, called a sample, are selected to be representative of all
the people that the researcher wishes to know about, called the population. "Sampling is
the process of selecting a representative group from the population under study. The target
population is the total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn. A sample
is the group of people who take part in the investigation. The people who take part are re-
ferred to as "participants"."
Independent Variable - ANSWER The variable in an experiment that is manipulated or
compared
Dependent Variable - ANSWER The variable in an experiment that is measured; the out-
come of an experiment
Control Group - ANSWER The group of subjects in an experiment that does not receive
the independent variable
2
,Experimental Group - ANSWER EXPERIMENTAL GROUP is the group receiving the inde-
pendent variable
What does a correlational research design examine? Provide an example. - ANSWER re-
search designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the prediction of fu-
ture events from present knowledge.
Describe examples of a positive and a negative correlation. - ANSWER Correlational-To
assess the relationships between and among two or more variables.
Postiive - As children age they get better at math
Negative - Age of a child and the number of diapers they use "Negative correlation, the vari-
ables move in inverse, or opposite, directions. As one variable increases, the other variable
decreases. For example, there is a negative correlation between self-esteem and depression.
Positive correlation is when there is an increase in one variable it is associated with an in-
crease in another variable. For example: with height and weight, taller people tend to be
heavier."
What are the differences in interpretations of correlational and experimental designs? - AN-
SWER In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally occur-
ring variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a change and then
monitors its effects.
"An experiment isolates and manipulates the independent variable to observe its effect on
the dependent variable, and controls the environment in order that extraneous variables
may be eliminated. Experiments establish cause and effect. A correlation identifies variables
and looks for a relationship between them."
What are the four parts of a neuron and its role in neural communication? - ANSWER Cell
Body (Soma), Dendrites, Axon, Myelin Sheath
Cell Body (Soma) - ANSWER contains the nucleus of the cell and keeps the cell alive
Dendrites - ANSWER a branching, treelike fiber which collects information from other
cells and sends the information to the soma
3
, Axon - ANSWER a long, segmented fiber which transmits information away from the cell
body toward other neurons or to the muscles and glands.
Myelin Sheath - ANSWER Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural im-
pulses
What is a neurotransmitter? What are a few examples? - ANSWER Neurochemical mes-
sengers that are released by terminal buttons when an action potential triggers them.
Acetylocholine (ACh), Dopamine, Endorphins, GABA (Gamma Aminobuytric Acid), Gluta-
mate, Serotonin
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) - ANSWER Used in spinal cord to simulate muscle
contractions and in brain to regulate memory, sleeping and dreaming. Undersupply associ-
ated with Alzheimer's disease.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine - ANSWER Used as brains reward system. Involved in move-
ment, motivation, and emotion. Used in learning. Increase = Schizophrenia. Under supply =
Parkinsons
Neurotransmitter: Endorphins - ANSWER Released in response to behaviors such as exer-
cise, orgasm, and eating. Nataural pain reliever. Creates a runners high
Neurotransmitter: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) - ANSWER Major inhibitory neuro-
transmitter. Linked to seizures. Controls fear or anxiety, keeps us calm. Too little GABA can
lead to anxiety.
Neurotransmitter: Glutamate - ANSWER cause overstimulation, migraines, and seizures.
Most common neurotransmitter.
4
