PSYC102 – EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED A++
Three characteristics of a good experimental study
1. Manipulate variables rather than simply observing them.
2. Control participant variables: Radom sampling and random assignment
3. Experimental control over extraneous variables
independant variable
the thing that will be changed in each experiment
dependent variable
The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the
independent variable.
third variable
a variable that is responsible for a correlation observed between two other variables of
interest
Causality
the relationship between cause and effect. (IV and DV) Cause must precede effect
How do you prevent confounds?
Experimental control: Extraneous variables are held constants
Randomization
confound variable
,an unanticipated variable not accounted for in a research study that could be causing or
associated with observed changes in one or more measured variables. When the IV is
present so is the confound, which can cause change in DV.
fundamental attribution error
the tendency for observers, when analyzing another's behavior, to underestimate the
impact of the situation and to overestimate the impact of personal disposition
situational distortional attribution theory
Attribution theory descrives two we observe, Analyze, and explain other's behaviors
cognitive dissonance
an unpleasant state that arises when a person recognizes the inconsistency of his or
her actions, attitudes, or beliefs
what are four dissonance coping methods
- change behavior "I'll never text and drive again"
- Change attitude "Actually texting and driving is not that bad"
- Change consonant cognition (comparing) "Texting and driving is better than driving
drunk"
- Reduce our perceived control (changing the attribution) "I have to reply quickly or
friends will reject me"
What is conformity?
when we change our perceptions, beliefs, or behaviors in ways that are consistent with
group norms.
What is informational social influence?
, when you defer to the judgement of people who you think have more knowledge of the
topic than you. (we believe that others know better)
What is normative social influence?
influence resulting from a person's desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval. (we
want to get along with others)
three factors to normative social influence
Strength: How valued is your membership in the group?
Immediacy: How subjectively close are group members to you?
Number: How many are in the group/
Moderators of informative influence
- Ambiguity of decision
- Importance of decision
- Crisis: Emotional / rapidly unfolding events (i.g fire alarm)
- Expertise of others.
(perceive others to know more)
Piaget's stages of cognitive development
1. sensorimotor
2. preoperational
3. concrete operational
4. formal operational
what is Piaget's Theory
States that children actively construct their understanding of the world and go through
four stages of cognitive development
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED A++
Three characteristics of a good experimental study
1. Manipulate variables rather than simply observing them.
2. Control participant variables: Radom sampling and random assignment
3. Experimental control over extraneous variables
independant variable
the thing that will be changed in each experiment
dependent variable
The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the
independent variable.
third variable
a variable that is responsible for a correlation observed between two other variables of
interest
Causality
the relationship between cause and effect. (IV and DV) Cause must precede effect
How do you prevent confounds?
Experimental control: Extraneous variables are held constants
Randomization
confound variable
,an unanticipated variable not accounted for in a research study that could be causing or
associated with observed changes in one or more measured variables. When the IV is
present so is the confound, which can cause change in DV.
fundamental attribution error
the tendency for observers, when analyzing another's behavior, to underestimate the
impact of the situation and to overestimate the impact of personal disposition
situational distortional attribution theory
Attribution theory descrives two we observe, Analyze, and explain other's behaviors
cognitive dissonance
an unpleasant state that arises when a person recognizes the inconsistency of his or
her actions, attitudes, or beliefs
what are four dissonance coping methods
- change behavior "I'll never text and drive again"
- Change attitude "Actually texting and driving is not that bad"
- Change consonant cognition (comparing) "Texting and driving is better than driving
drunk"
- Reduce our perceived control (changing the attribution) "I have to reply quickly or
friends will reject me"
What is conformity?
when we change our perceptions, beliefs, or behaviors in ways that are consistent with
group norms.
What is informational social influence?
, when you defer to the judgement of people who you think have more knowledge of the
topic than you. (we believe that others know better)
What is normative social influence?
influence resulting from a person's desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval. (we
want to get along with others)
three factors to normative social influence
Strength: How valued is your membership in the group?
Immediacy: How subjectively close are group members to you?
Number: How many are in the group/
Moderators of informative influence
- Ambiguity of decision
- Importance of decision
- Crisis: Emotional / rapidly unfolding events (i.g fire alarm)
- Expertise of others.
(perceive others to know more)
Piaget's stages of cognitive development
1. sensorimotor
2. preoperational
3. concrete operational
4. formal operational
what is Piaget's Theory
States that children actively construct their understanding of the world and go through
four stages of cognitive development
