Author Archives: John

Distinguish between experimental and non-experimental research.

Define the concept of a variable, distinguish quantitative from categorical variables, and give examples of variables that might be of interest to psychologists. Explain the difference between a population and a sample. Distinguish between experimental and non-experimental research. Distinguish between lab studies, field studies, and field experiments.  

Discover how theories are used to generate hypotheses and how the results of studies can be used to further inform theories.

Developing a Hypothesis Distinguish between a theory and a hypothesis. Discover how theories are used to generate hypotheses and how the results of studies can be used to further inform theories. Understand the characteristics of a good hypothesis

Describe some techniques for turning research ideas into empirical research questions and use those techniques to generate questions.

Good Research Questions Describe some techniques for turning research ideas into empirical research questions and use those techniques to generate questions. Explain what makes a research question interesting and evaluate research questions in terms of their interestingness.  

Define the clinical practice of psychology and distinguish it from experimental psychology.

Experimental and Clinical Psychologists Define the clinical practice of psychology and distinguish it from experimental psychology. Explain how science is relevant to clinical practice. Define the concept of an empirically supported treatment and give some examples.

What if an intentional violation of privacy and confidentiality is justified, but it will violate the principle of beneficence?

As we have learned from our reading this week, beneficence in a moral sense means more than “do no harm.” It also involves actively seeking to help those in need, and protecting others from threats. Privacy and confidentiality, on the other hand, involve trust. There are only two ways that a professional can break that […]

Explain the limitations of common sense when it comes to achieving a detailed and accurate understanding of human behavior.

Common Sense Explain the limitations of common sense when it comes to achieving a detailed and accurate understanding of human behavior. Give several examples of common sense or folk psychology that are incorrect. Define skepticism and its role in scientific psychology

In reflecting on this story, were you satisfied with what you did? Why?

Sometimes, moral dilemmas will be so tough that we will need resources outside of our personal ethical decision-making toolkit which will come from facts and context. But we will need support as well. The support of peers will be indispensable, and in addition, one of the most powerful tools you will ever have is a […]