Research Methods
for the digitally inclined
by
Stephen R. Schmidt

Learning Objectives for Test 1

I. Key terms (From Chapters 1, 2, 3 , 5 , 6, 7)

II. One question from each of the following groups will appear on the test. (Relevant readings are listed in parentheses. Also look at the on line notes.)

1. Philosophy of Science (Ch 1)

Compare and contrast common sense and scientific approaches to knowledge.
What is meant by "universal assent" and why is this so important to science? How is this related to the concept of an "operational definition"?
Explain the roles of the scientist, the research participant, and the witness in science.
What is empiricism and how has it been used to advance psychology?

2. Basic Methods (Ch 2)

Suppose you wish to determine if watching TV with sexual content will have a negative impact on child development. Contrast correlational and experimental approaches to answering this question, and describe the various strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
Evaluate the following argument in terms of the nature of causal relationships, and in terms of how one can provide evidence for or against a causal statement. "My grandfather smoked three packs a day for 30 years, and he didn't get cancer. Smoking must not cause cancer!"
Causation implies correlation, but correlation does not imply causation. Explain, and give examples of both parts of this statement.

3. Measurement Theory (Ch 2 & 3)

Internal and external validity are often in conflict. Why? Explain and give an example of when a research project sacrifices one form of validity in exchange for an increase in the other form.
Distinguish between the concepts of validity and reliability. Give an example of how an experiment, or a measurement device, could be valid but not reliable. Give an example of how one might be reliable but not valid.
Distinguish between the concepts construct, content, and criterion validity.

4. Statistics (Ch 5 & 6)

List the specific properties of each scale of measurement and give one example of each.
What are the three major components of the central limits theorem?
When might a t-test be used? What is the objective of the t-test?

5. Rival Hypotheses (Ch 7)

List, describe, and give examples of the eight major threats to internal validity.

Last Modified 9/02/2008