Psy 290 Research Methods Exam #1 Questions and Answers
with Complete Solutions UPDATED!!!
applied research - ANSWER Research whose goal is to find a
solution to a particular real-world problem.
basic research - ANSWER Research whose goal is to enhance
the general body of knowledge, without regard for direct
application to practical problems.
data - ANSWER A set of observations representing the values of
some variable, collected from one or more research studies.
empiricism method - ANSWER The use of verifiable evidence as
the basis for conclusions; collecting data systematically and
using it to develop, support, or challenge a theory. Also called
empirical method or empirical research.
evidence-based treatment - ANSWER A psychotherapy
technique whose effectiveness has been supported by empirical
research.
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falsifiability - ANSWER A feature of a scientific theory, in which
it is possible to collect data that will prove the theory wrong.
hypothesis - ANSWER A statement of the specific relationship
between a study's variables that the researcher expects to
observe if a theory is accurate. Also called prediction.
journal - ANSWER A monthly or quarterly periodical containing
peer-reviewed articles on a specific academic discipline or
subdiscipline, written for a scholarly audience.
journalism - ANSWER News and commentary published or
broadcast in the popular media and produced for a general
audience.
parsimony - ANSWER The degree to which a theory provides
the simplest explanation of some phenomenon. In the context
of investigating a claim, the simplest explanation of a pattern of
data; the best explanation that requires making the fewest
exceptions or qualifications.