Exam 1: Section 1: Introduction and Research Methods

What is humanistic psychology, and who introduced this approach?

What do correlational studies examine, and what conclusions can be drawn from a correlational study?

Discuss the achievements and contributions of Francis C. Sumner.

List the steps in the scientific method.

How did Wilhelm Wundt and William James differ in their views of what psychology should study?

Describe three commonly used brain-imaging techniques that are commonly used in psychological research.

What is a natural experiment, and how does it differ from other research methods?

What contributions did Mary Whiton Calkins and Margaret Floy Washburn make to psychology?

Give an example of two factors that are positively correlated, and explain what that means.

Discuss Charles Darwin's influence on William James and explain how Darwin's theory of evolution contributed to psychology.

Professor Rahn is conducting a study on the effects of caffeine on college students' study habits. His research question is: Will students who consume moderate doses of caffeine prior to studying perform better on an exam than students who do not consume any caffeine prior to studying? Professor Rahn randomly assigns students to one of two groups: One group is given two caffeinated beverages prior to studying, and the second group is given beverages without caffeine. Both groups of students believe they are consuming caffeinated beverages. According to research on experimental controls, what is the second group of participants receiving?

As a critical thinker, it is important to follow four steps when determining the validity of a particular claim presented in a research study. List the four steps.

In a scientifically conducted survey, describe how participants should be selected and explain the importance of the selection process.

What is the difference between the independent variable and the dependent variable?