UBC Psych 217 Midterm Prep: Understanding Research Articles

The key components of a research article typically include an Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion sections. These sections outline the research study's background, objectives, methodology, findings, and interpretation of results.

The correct answer provides the definition of an abstract along with the specific word limit usually set at 120 words.

The abstract typically includes the hypothesis, procedure, and the broad pattern of results. It does not include detailed discussion, conclusions, or recommendations, which are usually found in the main body of the research paper.

The number of subsections within the METHOD category of a research article can vary based on the complexity of the research, but typically falls within the range of 3-4.

The results section of a research paper is where the actual findings of the study are presented, typically in narrative form using statistical language. The results are often supported with tables and graphs to enhance understanding.

The discussion section of a research paper is where researchers critically analyze their findings, provide interpretations, compare results with existing literature, and suggest directions for future research. It is not simply a summary of the research findings but rather an in-depth analysis of the study.

Critical thinking involves analyzing information, seeking evidence, and evaluating evidence before coming to a conclusion. It is about questioning and verifying information rather than blindly accepting it.

Quantitative research methods provide a systematic approach for collecting and analyzing data, which in turn helps individuals develop skills in analyzing and interpreting information critically. This process involves using a common language and set of tools, leading to the encouragement of critical thinking.

Science is characterized by systematic empiricism, which involves observing and collecting data objectively. It also emphasizes the production of public knowledge, ensuring that research findings are openly shared and verified. Additionally, science focuses on the search for solvable problems that can be addressed through evidence-based methods.

Systematic empiricism involves a structured approach to observation and research methods to ensure valuable and valid insights are obtained.

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation and verification in the production of public knowledge.

Falsifiability is a key concept in scientific reasoning as it allows theories to be tested and potentially proven false by empirical evidence. In the example given, the statement 'Aliens are not falsifiable' means that the existence of aliens cannot be definitively proven or disproven through currently available data or evidence.

The studies did not find that high self-esteem helps with everything in life, but rather that individuals with high self-esteem feel better and are more proactive. However, causal and correlational significance was not established.

The correct types of studies within research designs include Observation, Correlation, Between subjects, Within subjects, and the placeholder 'CHECKSLIDE MONDAY SEPT19'.

In correlation designs, the main focus is on measuring the relationship between variables rather than manipulating them. Therefore, the correct feature is the measurement of two or more variables.

Correlation simply means that there is a relationship between two variables, but it does not prove that one variable causes the other. It is important to consider other factors and conduct further analysis to determine causation.

Correlational studies can show a relationship between variables, but they do not allow us to make causal claims or determine the directionality of the relationship.

The third variable in a correlation can impact the relationship between the first two variables by adding additional context or confounding factors, hence affecting the interpretation of correlations.

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study is methodologically sound and free of confounding variables that could influence the results. The three criteria for internal validity are covariation between two variables, temporal precedence, and the elimination of plausible alternative explanations.

The introduction of a research paper serves to set the stage for the research, providing context, outlining the problem being investigated, presenting the researcher's expectations and potential hypotheses, and connecting past research and theory to the current research problem and expected results.

In the METHOD category of a research paper, the subsections typically focus on the design overview, participant characteristics, study procedure, and materials used. These subsections provide readers with important information about how the research was conducted and help them understand the study in detail.

To get familiar with the format, it is recommended to read journal articles from www.apa.org/journals as they follow the APA guidelines.

The correct iterative process of science involves forming a theory, collecting data, revising the theory to account for new data, collecting more data, and revising the theory again.

The correct answer is 'Non experimental', as mentioned in the Sept 19 slide. Experimental, Observational, and Exploratory are incorrect as they do not align with the question's context.

The correlation coefficient ranges between -1 and 1, making 1.2 an invalid value.

A third variable must have an effect on both other variables, establishing a relationship and interaction between them.

Internal validity specifically deals with the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable within an experiment, ensuring that any observed changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable.