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Psy 410 CH. 1/2 Exam Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
Why do we need scientific methods? - ANS Scientific methods are very important because
without them, our ideas of how things work are not very objective and are subject to many
biases (covered in the chapter)
What do we mean by objectivity? How does objectivity influence observation, measurement,
and experimentation? - ANS Objectivity is important for all three tools of the scientific
method. (Observation) Objectivity is necessary to avoid distorting our data because of our
expectations. (Measurement) To measure objectively, we need to use standardized units to
measure our results, and we apply the same instruments and procedures each time.
(Experimentation) When we experiment, we do not use procedures that are bound to give us
the results we are looking for and we do not give subjects subtle cues to respond in a certain
way.
Suppose that a researcher believed that firstborn children have higher IQs than their later-born
sisters and brothers because the mother's ova are younger when firstborns are conceived. This
hypothesis would not be testable. Explain why not. - ANS There is no way to test the age of
an ovum that has produced a child, so the hypothesis is not currently testable. Even if we could
measure the age of an ovum, it would be difficult or impossible to construct an ethical test of
the hypothesis.
For each of the following examples, state at least one of the basic tools of psychological science
(observation, measurement, experimentation) that have been violated, and explain the correct
procedure: a. Deanna wanted to do an experiment on gas mileage to see whether the name
brands give better mileage. She filled her tank with Fuel-Up one week and with a well-known
brand the following week. At the end of that time, she thought things over and said, "Well, I
Psy 410 CH. 1/2 Exam Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
Why do we need scientific methods? - ANS Scientific methods are very important because
without them, our ideas of how things work are not very objective and are subject to many
biases (covered in the chapter)
What do we mean by objectivity? How does objectivity influence observation, measurement,
and experimentation? - ANS Objectivity is important for all three tools of the scientific
method. (Observation) Objectivity is necessary to avoid distorting our data because of our
expectations. (Measurement) To measure objectively, we need to use standardized units to
measure our results, and we apply the same instruments and procedures each time.
(Experimentation) When we experiment, we do not use procedures that are bound to give us
the results we are looking for and we do not give subjects subtle cues to respond in a certain
way.
Suppose that a researcher believed that firstborn children have higher IQs than their later-born
sisters and brothers because the mother's ova are younger when firstborns are conceived. This
hypothesis would not be testable. Explain why not. - ANS There is no way to test the age of
an ovum that has produced a child, so the hypothesis is not currently testable. Even if we could
measure the age of an ovum, it would be difficult or impossible to construct an ethical test of
the hypothesis.
For each of the following examples, state at least one of the basic tools of psychological science
(observation, measurement, experimentation) that have been violated, and explain the correct
procedure: a. Deanna wanted to do an experiment on gas mileage to see whether the name
brands give better mileage. She filled her tank with Fuel-Up one week and with a well-known
brand the following week. At the end of that time, she thought things over and said, "Well, I
