Sam Myung

Period 5
Module 2 Notes (Pg. 36-40) Statistical Reasoning

-Describing Data
Once researchers gather raw data, they need to organize it (i.e. bar graph).
Graph display can be modified to make it look bigger/smaller (pay attention to scaling).
-Measures of Central Tendency
Mode: Most frequently occurring score.
Median: Middle score (or average of middle two if even # of data points).
Mean: Arithmetic average (total sum/total number).
Each can explain data, but some explain better than others, especially when considering skewed
data (mean can be heavily biased by outliers).
-Measures of Variation
Basically we want to know the amount of variation (how similar/diverse data is) in sample.
Range provides a very crude estimate of variation (highest-lowest).
Standard deviation calculates how much each data point deviates from the mean (basically each
other point). Remember, this can be biased if data is skewed.
-Making Inferences
There is always noise when collecting data, whether its the actual people sampled or other
factors.
So when is an observed difference reliable?
Representative samples are better than biased samples. Always pay attention to the
population sampled and if it was representative of the larger group.
Observations with less variation are more reliable than those with more variation. We just
want low variability when it comes to data analysis.
More cases are better than fewer. Basically, more data will always be better.
When averages from two samples are both reliable measures of respective population, then the
difference between the two are likely to be reliable as well.
o So when the difference is large based on reliable measures, then it can be said that the
difference is statistically significant (most likely not due to chance variation)
o Important: Statistical significance shows the likelihood that a result will happen by
chance, but not how important that result actually is.


Module 2 Notes (Pg. 40-45) Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology

-Questions
Can laboratory experiments illuminate everyday life?
o Think it simply: the experimenter is intending on making the lab environment a
simplified version of reality, where everyday life can be simulated/controlled.
o Needs controlled conditions to effectively get results.
o Important: Its not the specific findings, but rather the resulting principles from lab
investigations that explain everyday behaviors.
Does behavior depend on ones culture?
o If we think about it based on culture, then in a sense, the answer is yes.
o However, considering the underlying processes that explain these certain behaviors, the
principles are the same.
Does behavior vary with gender?
o In short, yes, but the view is somewhat over exaggerated.
o Biologically and based on fundamental principles, men and women are very similar, but
culture is what really makes the split.
Why do psychologists study animals?
o Basically this allows psychologists to understand the psychological principles of behavior
at the simplest level, and then extrapolate that to more complex levels of life.

Sam Myung
Period 5
Is it ethical to experiment on animals?
o Two large issues: should we place well-being of humans over animals, and if we place
that priority, what about the well-being of the animals.
o Overall, this is a very controversial topic. Studies have led to benefits for humans and
animals alike in the long run, but that required many sacrifices.
Is it ethical to experiment on people?
o Not as controversial since many guidelines are in place to obtain consent, protect subjects
from intentional harm, and keep information confidential.
Is psychology free of value judgments?
o One simple word: no.
Is psychology potentially dangerous?
o Think about nuclear power. It provides cities with light and energy, but can destroy them
in a matter of seconds.
o Same thing with psychology (kind of). It could open new insight on our inner universe,
but could be manipulated to control people.