psychology

Assignment 2: Discussion Questions

By the due date, answer one of the discussion questions listed in the Discussion Area. Submit your responses to the appropriate Discussion Area on the next page. Start reviewing and responding to at least two of your classmates as early in the week as possible. You can ask technical questions or respond generally to the overall experience. Be sure to be honest, clear, and concise. Always use constructive language, even in criticism, to work toward the goal of positive progress.

Peer responses are due by the end of the week.

The discussion questions for this task include:

1. Using information from this week’s readings, discuss at least three limitations to human intuition and explain why using a scientific approach to studying human behavior enables us to arrive at more reliable answers to questions about how we function. In other words, why are answers reached by thinking critically more reliable than those arrived at by using ordinary common sense?
2. Case studies, surveys, and naturalistic observation are all part of research studies. Describe the differences between them and then discuss what roles random sampling and representative sampling play in each one.
3. Evaluating research in the social sciences can be challenging. One of the most important concepts to consider is distinguishing correlation between variables from causation between variables. What is the difference between correlation and causation? Why is it important to interpret research accurately in light of these differences?
4. First, attempt to answer these questions based on your own intuition and existing knowledge (you will not lose points if they are not answered correctly). Provide not only your answer to each question, but your rationale for your answer:
   
   a. If you drop a bullet off a 3-foot-high table and fire another one straight across an empty football field (nothing in its way), which one will hit the ground first
   
   b. A ball rolls down a spiral track. The end of the track curves left. What path will the ball take when it leaves the track?
   
   c. A wooden cube is 1 inch long on each side. How many cubes will you need to form a cube that is 2 inches along each side?
   
   After answering these questions, what do you think the examples therein show us about the need for empirical research? What impact does empirical research have on our daily lives, our education, and our profession? Back up your answer using evidence from your text.
5. Based on what you learned this week about psychological research, design a basic research study in any area of psychology (i.e., human development, social psychology, etc.). In your post, please answer the following questions and provide rationale for your answer:
   
   a. What is your research question? What are you attempting to find?
   
   b. Are you attempting to establish cause and effect (an experimental design) or are you more interested in determining the relationship between variables (a correlational study)? Please explain why you chose the method you did.
   
   c. Will you rely on data collection and/or your intuition?
   
   d. What conclusions do you expect to find and why?

Please see the next Post Here page for specific guidance from your instructor on which question(s) you are expected to answer.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria:Maximum PointsContentUses terminology and effectively communicates concepts introduced in the assigned reading.20Proposes logical, substantive responses to discussion questions.20ResearchJustified use of credible and relevant sources using correct APA formatting in resource citation and documentation.20ParticipationEvaluates the assignments of at least two peers by discussing reasoning, logic, and merits of their conclusions.20FormatUses correct spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation in posting and responses.10Total90

For assistance with any problems you may have when completing this assignment—OR—to offer your assistance to classmates, please use the Questions for the Professor area located on the Learning Path.