WGU C180 Study Guide Questions
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Why are ethical guidelines needed within psychological research? - CORRECT
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? - CORRECT
ANSWER-Descriptive Research
Correlational Research
Experimental Research
What is descriptive research? - CORRECT ANSWER-research designed to provide a
snapshot of the current state of affairs.
What is Correlational Research - CORRECT ANSWER-research designed to discover
relationships among variables and to allow the prediction of future events from present
knowledge.
What is Experimental Research - CORRECT ANSWER-research in which there is a
random assignment 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? - CORRECT ANSWER-
The people chosen 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 referred to as "participants"."
Independent Variable - CORRECT ANSWER-The variable in an experiment that is
manipulated or compared
Dependent Variable - CORRECT ANSWER-The variable in an experiment that is
measured; the outcome of an experiment
,Control Group - CORRECT ANSWER-The group of subjects in an experiment that does
not receive the independent variable
Experimental Group - CORRECT ANSWER-EXPERIMENTAL GROUP is the group
receiving the independent variable
What does a correlational research design examine? Provide an example. - CORRECT
ANSWER-research designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the
prediction of future events from present knowledge.
Describe examples of a positive and a negative correlation. - CORRECT 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
variables 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 increase 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? -
CORRECT ANSWER-In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations
among naturally occurring 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 do psychologists study? - CORRECT 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? -
CORRECT ANSWER-The scientific method is the set of assumptions, rules, and
procedures scientists use to conduct research. In addition to requiring that science is
verifiable, the scientific method demands that procedures are free of personal bias.
What is the definition of a hypothesis? - CORRECT ANSWER-A specific and falsifiable
prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
What is an operational definition? Provide an example. - CORRECT ANSWER-An
operational definition 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
What are the four parts of a neuron and its role in neural communication? - CORRECT
ANSWER-Cell Body (Soma), Dendrites, Axon, Myelin Sheath
Cell Body (Soma) - CORRECT ANSWER-contains the nucleus of the cell and keeps the
cell alive
Dendrites - CORRECT ANSWER-a branching, treelike fiber which collects information
from other cells and sends the information to the soma
Axon - CORRECT ANSWER-a long, segmented fiber which transmits information away
from the cell body toward other neurons or to the muscles and glands.
Myelin Sheath - CORRECT ANSWER-Covers the axon of some neurons and helps
speed neural impulses
What is a neurotransmitter? What are a few examples? - CORRECT ANSWER-
Neurochemical messengers that are released by terminal buttons when an action
potential triggers them.
Acetylocholine (ACh), Dopamine, Endorphins, GABA (Gamma Aminobuytric Acid),
Glutamate, Serotonin
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) - CORRECT ANSWER-Used in spinal cord to
simulate muscle contractions and in brain to regulate memory, sleeping and dreaming.
Undersupply associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine - CORRECT ANSWER-Used as brains reward system.
Involved in movement, motivation, and emotion. Used in learning. Increase =
Schizophrenia. Under supply = Parkinsons
Neurotransmitter: Endorphins - CORRECT ANSWER-Released in response to
behaviors such as exercise, orgasm, and eating. Nataural pain reliever. Creates a
runners high
Neurotransmitter: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) - CORRECT ANSWER-Major
inhibitory neurotransmitter. Linked to seizures. Controls fear or anxiety, keeps us calm.
Too little GABA can lead to anxiety.
and Answers Best rated A+
Guaranteed Success Latest Update
Why are ethical guidelines needed within psychological research? - CORRECT
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? - CORRECT
ANSWER-Descriptive Research
Correlational Research
Experimental Research
What is descriptive research? - CORRECT ANSWER-research designed to provide a
snapshot of the current state of affairs.
What is Correlational Research - CORRECT ANSWER-research designed to discover
relationships among variables and to allow the prediction of future events from present
knowledge.
What is Experimental Research - CORRECT ANSWER-research in which there is a
random assignment 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? - CORRECT ANSWER-
The people chosen 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 referred to as "participants"."
Independent Variable - CORRECT ANSWER-The variable in an experiment that is
manipulated or compared
Dependent Variable - CORRECT ANSWER-The variable in an experiment that is
measured; the outcome of an experiment
,Control Group - CORRECT ANSWER-The group of subjects in an experiment that does
not receive the independent variable
Experimental Group - CORRECT ANSWER-EXPERIMENTAL GROUP is the group
receiving the independent variable
What does a correlational research design examine? Provide an example. - CORRECT
ANSWER-research designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the
prediction of future events from present knowledge.
Describe examples of a positive and a negative correlation. - CORRECT 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
variables 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 increase 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? -
CORRECT ANSWER-In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations
among naturally occurring 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 do psychologists study? - CORRECT 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? -
CORRECT ANSWER-The scientific method is the set of assumptions, rules, and
procedures scientists use to conduct research. In addition to requiring that science is
verifiable, the scientific method demands that procedures are free of personal bias.
What is the definition of a hypothesis? - CORRECT ANSWER-A specific and falsifiable
prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
What is an operational definition? Provide an example. - CORRECT ANSWER-An
operational definition 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
What are the four parts of a neuron and its role in neural communication? - CORRECT
ANSWER-Cell Body (Soma), Dendrites, Axon, Myelin Sheath
Cell Body (Soma) - CORRECT ANSWER-contains the nucleus of the cell and keeps the
cell alive
Dendrites - CORRECT ANSWER-a branching, treelike fiber which collects information
from other cells and sends the information to the soma
Axon - CORRECT ANSWER-a long, segmented fiber which transmits information away
from the cell body toward other neurons or to the muscles and glands.
Myelin Sheath - CORRECT ANSWER-Covers the axon of some neurons and helps
speed neural impulses
What is a neurotransmitter? What are a few examples? - CORRECT ANSWER-
Neurochemical messengers that are released by terminal buttons when an action
potential triggers them.
Acetylocholine (ACh), Dopamine, Endorphins, GABA (Gamma Aminobuytric Acid),
Glutamate, Serotonin
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) - CORRECT ANSWER-Used in spinal cord to
simulate muscle contractions and in brain to regulate memory, sleeping and dreaming.
Undersupply associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine - CORRECT ANSWER-Used as brains reward system.
Involved in movement, motivation, and emotion. Used in learning. Increase =
Schizophrenia. Under supply = Parkinsons
Neurotransmitter: Endorphins - CORRECT ANSWER-Released in response to
behaviors such as exercise, orgasm, and eating. Nataural pain reliever. Creates a
runners high
Neurotransmitter: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) - CORRECT ANSWER-Major
inhibitory neurotransmitter. Linked to seizures. Controls fear or anxiety, keeps us calm.
Too little GABA can lead to anxiety.
