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1.Define reactivity as it relates to a scientific experiment. Provide two specific examples of how reactivity might affect a naturalistic observation experiment.

2.Explain the difference between a non-experimental method and an experimental method. Include a description of how each method is performed and identify which type of validity is more associated with each one.

3.Define both qualitative data and quantitative data. Then, identify the purpose, the group who is studied, and the role of the researcher for each type of data.

4.Briefly explain at least two reasons why non-human animal research is allowed. What is the name of the committee who approves these types of studies?

5.Define basic research and applied research. Explain how they differ in terms of their purposes and goals. Pick one (either basic or applied) and give a brief example of something how a researcher might study something.

6.Briefly describe at least four good strategies for searching databases for peer-reviewed articles. (Hint: this was Fig. 2.2 from the book that was also in the slides)

Answer 1

Answer 1 - Reactivity is a phenomenon that occurs when participants in a research experiment are aware that they are being observed and alter their behavior accordingly in order to meet the expectations of the experimenter. As a result of this, external validity gets compromised.

Naturalistic observation - It is an experimental method psychologists use in order to study the behavior of the participants in its natural environment.

Example 1 - Most common example is classroom behavior.

The experimenter wants to study the interaction between students and teachers (subjects). If the subjects are aware of the fact that they are being observed, their behavior may change in order to conform to the expectations of the experimenter so that they could appear socially desirable. This affects the external validity of the experiment.

Example 2 - Observing people's behavior in a workplace. Similar to that of classroom behavior.