HW1_Laura Hembree_510D01

PSYC 510 H OMEWORK : I NTRODUCTORY C ONCEPTS A SSIGNMENT I NSTRUCTIONS O VERVIEW This Homework: Introductory Concepts Assignment is designed to assess your understanding of the introductory concepts for research methods and statistics in the field of psychology. These concepts will serve as the foundation to understanding how to read and critically evaluate research presented in both nonprofessional and professional settings. These concepts will also begin building skills needed to help you design and produce original research in psychology. I NSTRUCTIONS Be sure you have reviewed this module’s Learn section before completing this Homework: Introductory Concepts Assignment . This Homework: Introductory Concepts Assignment is worth 60 points. Over a quarter of this grade (16 pts) is earned by inserting your certificate demonstrating completion of the CITI Social & Behavioral Researchers Basic Course (note a minimum of 80% is required to pass the course and receive the certificate) where indicated. Six points are awarded for mechanics/structure. All other point values are next to each question and/or section. See the Introductory Concepts: CITI Guided Notes document for details on how to complete this portion of the Homework: Introductory Concepts Assignment .  Directions for each subsection are provided in the top of each table (in the blue shaded areas).  Answers should be placed where indicated (wherever there is “ ANSWER”).  Submit the file as a WORD document (.doc or .docx). Make sure the filename of your submission includes your full name, course and section. o Example: HW1_JohnDoe_510B01 Make sure to check the Homework Grading Rubric before beginning this Homework: Introductory Concepts Assignment . Answer the following short-answer questions using complete sentences. (10 pts) 1. Identify and briefly describe the three criteria that help to define science. (3 pts) ANSWER: The three criteria that help define science are systematic empiricism, publicly verifiable knowledge, and empirically solvable problems. Systematic empiricism is the practice of relying on observation to draw conclusion. Publicly verifiable knowledge means that the researches presented to the public in such a way that it can be observed, replicated, criticized, and tested for veracity by others. Empirically solvable problems are questions that are potentially answerable by means of currently available research techniques. 2. State the five main sections of a journal article. Identify one section and describe why you would go to that section when skimming an article (e.g., what would you expect to find in that section?) (3 pts) ANSWER: The five main sections of a journal article are abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion. When skimming an article, I would choose abstract because it provides a summary of the article. Test the hypothesis presented in the follow problem: Each of the cards below has a number on one side Page 1 of 4

PSYC 510 and a letter on the other side. Two of the cards have their letter side showing and two have their number side showing. Here is a rule: “If a card has a vowel on one side, then it has an even number on the other side”. Answer the problem and explain how it relates to hypothesis testing, proof, and disproof as discussed in the text. 3. In order to check that the rule is true or false, which card or cards below would you turn over? Turn over only the card or cards that you need to check to be sure. (2 pts) ANSWER: The cards that I would turn over would be A and 4. I would choose card A to see if the other side has an even number. I could choose card 4 to make sure it has a vowel on the opposite side. 4. Explain how it relates to hypothesis testing, proof, and disproof as discussed in the text. (2 pts) ANSWER: This relates to hypothesis testing by turning over the cards we will be able to prove the validity of the hypothesis. If by turning over an odd numbered card and it has a vowel on the other side, it would disprove the hypothesis. Answer the following questions related to its associated scenario. (Helpful hint: the “Interact: Introductory Concepts – Practice Worksheet” for this module covers these topics!). 2 pts each = 20 pts Scenario 1: In a study of the effects of nicotine on concentration, participants who smoke are compared to those who do not on a measure of concentration. Identify the independent variable and dependent variable in this study. Is the independent variable a manipulated variable or a participant variable? 5. What is the independent variable in this study? ANSWER: The independent variable would be those that smoke nicotine. 6. What is the dependent variable in this study? ANSWER: The dependent variable would be the measure of concentration. 7. Is the independent variable manipulated or is it a participant / subject variable? ANSWER: The independent variable is participant or subject variable. 8. What type of research method (descriptive, predictive, quasi-experimental, or experimental)? is used in this study? ANSWER: The type of research method used in this study is predictive. 9. What is a potential confounding variable in this scenario? You must justify your answer to earn points on this question. ANSWER: A potential confounding variable in this scenario would be if the independent variable of those that do not smoke the levels of concentration, may not be accurate if the Page 2 of 4

PSYC 510 17. The last 16 points of this assignment are awarded for successful completion of the CITI Social & Behavioral Researchers Basic Course (note a minimum of 80% is required to pass the course and receive the certificate). Directions on how to enroll in this course is provided in the CITI Guided Notes document in this module’s Reading & Study folder. You must paste your certificate (or an image of your certificate) in the space below to earn full credit. A link is NOT sufficient and will not earn full points. ANSWER: insert CITI Certificate of Completion citiCompletionCertificate_12778911_59312408.docx Submit this assignment by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module 1. Remember to name file appropriately. Done! Page 4 of 4