HDF 315L Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Risky Sexual Behavior, Standard Deviation, Frequency Distribution
23 May 2018
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Final Exam Review
1-The Scientific Method
Empirical approach: empirical and measurable evidence, systematic observation and measurement, formulation,
testing, & modification of hypotheses
Characteristics of good researchers of human behavior: creative, insightful, and intuitive (keen observer)
The study of emotion: Darwin theorized that emotions were biologically determined and universal; in the mid
1900s, the more popular theory was that emotions were culturally determined through learning.
What we do when we’re NOT doing science:
We engage in casual observation. Casual observation is Inaccurate, Unsystematic, Prone to poor recall
We engage in selective observation: Discount evidence or Fail to observe
We over-generalize from salient experiences
What we do when we’re doing science:
We use systematic observation: Make a complete, careful record & Engage in a planned, conscious activity
We use logical reasoning- Rule out competing hypotheses
We replicate findings- Across people, measures, studies, settings
Scientist: be skeptical of your hunch and test it before you believe it
Characteristics of scientific understanding
Science Not Science
Systematic casual
Logical Selective
Replicable Over general
2-Describing Variables
Basic terminology
Frequency distribution: a list of the number of times a response occurs in the sample of data collected
Historgram: a visual display of a frequency distribution
Central Tendency: a summary description of the information from a frequency distribution
Positive consequences of parental monitoring: less involved in delinquent and criminal behavior, less likely to use
illegal substances, tobacco, alcohol, less likely to have deviants peers, less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior,
do better in school.
3- Understanding Standard deviations
Less variation in data: lower standard deviation; more variation: larger standard deviation
Variables and hypotheses
Hypotheses describe relationships between variables: causal statements (A causes B) and probabilistic
Independent and dependent variables
Independent is the cause, dependent is the effect.
Independent variable → dependent variable
find more resources at oneclass.com
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Criteria for a good hypothesis:
A hypothesis is a precise expression of a predicted relation between or among variables that is capable of being
tested.
• A precise expression
o The specified relation is not vague
o The variables are clearly defined
• A predicted relation between variables
o The direction of effect is specified
o The conditions under which the direction changes is clear
• Capable of being tested
o The hypothesis can be shown to be wrong
o The method for testing is clear
4- Hypotheses
Weak hypotheses:
• A child’s temperament has a significant impact on peer relations
o Children who express greater emotional intensity will be more likely to experience rejection from
peers.
• Exposure to marital conflict has a significant impact on children’s achievement
o Exposure to higher levels of marital conflict will be associated with greater academic difficulties.
• Gender affects self-esteem
o Early-maturing girls will have lower self-esteem than early-maturing boys
Make it directional and clear!
Ideas to hypotheses:
Study topic: Does high school peer crowd group membership predict risky behaviors?
Variables: peer group affiliation (jocks, brains, burnouts), risky behaviors (low/high risk taking behaviors)
Hypothesis: Burnouts and nonconformists engage in more risky behaviors than jocks, populars, and brains
Describing relations between variables
Types of bivariate relations:
Positive
Negative (or inverse)
No relation (straight line)
U-shaped relation (literally u shaped)
Inverted U shaped relation
Sampling: where and how do I get my participants?
Design: What procedures should I use?
o Experimental vs. non experimental
o Longitudinal or not
Measurement: How should I assess my participants?
o Interviews/Observations?
Review:
• Experimental research
o Treatment is administered
▪ Can be basic or applied/ Can be longitudinal
• Nonexperimental research
o Causal-comparative (ex post facto) studies
o Correlational research
o Polls (descriptive surveys)
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Empirical approach: empirical and measurable evidence, systematic observation and measurement, formulation, testing, & modification of hypotheses. Characteristics of good researchers of human behavior: creative, insightful, and intuitive (keen observer) The study of emotion: darwin theorized that emotions were biologically determined and universal; in the mid. 1900s, the more popular theory was that emotions were culturally determined through learning. What we do when we"re not doing science: Casual observation is inaccurate, unsystematic, prone to poor recall. We engage in selective observation: discount evidence or fail to observe. We use systematic observation: make a complete, careful record & engage in a planned, conscious activity. We use logical reasoning- rule out competing hypotheses. We replicate findings- across people, measures, studies, settings. Scientist: be skeptical of your hunch and test it before you believe it. Frequency distribution: a list of the number of times a response occurs in the sample of data collected. Historgram: a visual display of a frequency distribution.
