Guide to using the learning objectives
1. Define1 operational
definition.
Explain2 how operational definitions allow psychology to be a
science.
2. Discuss2 the
difference(s) between bias and random error. Then, discuss2 the
differences between observer bias and random observer error.
3. Provide3 a list of
methods that can be used to minimize or reduce observer bias.
4. For each item you listed in response
to the above objective, defend4 the use of that method for reducing
observer bias.
5. Explain2 how random
observer error can be reduced.
6. Compare and contrast4
subject bias with random error due to the participant.
a. How are they similar?
b. How are they different?
7. Define1 social
desirability bias
and provide3 at least two examples.
8. Define1 subject
bias.
9. Discuss2 at least two
methods for reducing subject bias.
10.
Explain2
what is meant by demand characteristics.
11.
Define1
reliability. Then, explain2 how you would measure reliability.
12.
Explain2
why reliability is a prerequisite to validity.
13.
Describe2
how you would determine whether a measure was sufficiently reliable.
14.
A
measure’s reliability is too low. Describe2 the steps you
could take to determine the cause of the measure’s low reliability.
15.
Distinguish4
between interobserver reliability and test-retest reliability.
16.
Explain2
why psychologists attempt to increase interobserver reliability.
17.
Define1
internal consistency, explain2 why low internal consistency is a
problem, describe2 two strategies used to increase internal
consistency2, and list1 three measures of internal
consistency.
18.
Define1
construct validity. Distinguish4 between reliability and construct
validity.
19.
List1
three strategies researchers can use to make the case for a measure’s
construct validity.
20.
Distinguish4
between convergent and discriminant validity.
21.
Design5
at least three studies that would provide evidence that an aggression test had
construct validity. Rank6 your studies in order of importance and
justify6 your rankings.
22.
List1
four factors that can threaten both the validity of a measure and the validity
of a manipulation.
23.
Explain2
how using a placebo treatment and blind procedures can improve the
validity of a manipulation.
24.
Explain2
why researchers often used manipulation checks.
25.
Compare4
and contrast4 instructional manipulations, environmental
manipulations, and stooge manipulations. Be sure to address the advantages and
disadvantages of these three types of manipulations.
26.
Propose5
a method of manipulating participants’ moods. Identify1 the
type of manipulation (instructional, environmental, or stooge) you proposed and
justify6 your use of that manipulation.