Chapter 1 Flashcards
(26 cards)
Hindsight bias
The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (The “I knew it all along”)
Theory
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Operational Definition
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study. For example, “human intelligence” may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures
Replication
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced
Case study
ONE individual or GROUP is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
Naturalistic Observation
Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
Survey
Obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, “random sample” of the group
Random sample
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
Population
All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other
Correlation Coefficient
A statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1.00 to +1.00)
Variable
Anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure
Illusory Correlation
Perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship
Regression Toward the Mean
The tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back/regress toward the average
Experiment
A research method in which an investigator manipulates ONE or MORE factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors
Experimental Group
The group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable
Control Group
The group NOT exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.
Random Assignment
Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance
Double-blind procedure
An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo.
Placebo Effect
Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.
Independent variable
The factor that is being manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied
Confounding variable
A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s results
Dependent variable
The outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated
