Chapter 1 Vocab Flashcards
(33 cards)
Hindsight bias
Believing (after you know the outcome) that you saw it coming
Critical thinking
Not blindly accepting conclusions, rather investigating evidence (backed by science)
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 statement of the procedures used to define research variables
Replication
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants/circumstances
Case study
An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
Naturalistic observation
Observing behavior in naturally occurring situations w/o trying to manipulate/control the situation
Survey
A technique for gathering self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group
Population
All the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn
Random sample
A sample that fairly represents a population bc each member had an equal chance of inclusion
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which 2 factors vary together and how well either factor predicts the other
Correlational coefficient
A statistical index of the relationship between 2 things (-1 to 1)
Scatterplot
A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of 2 variables.
1) Slope = the direction of the relationship between the 2 variables
2) Amount of scatter = strength of correlation (little scatter = high correlation)
Experiment
A research method in which the investigator manipulates one or more factors (IV) to observe the effect on some behavior/mental process (DV). Control other relevant factors.
Experimental group
Group exposed to the treatment (IV)
Control group
Group NOT exposed to the treatment; serves as comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment
Random assignment
Assigning participants to experimental/control groups by chance (minimize preexisting differences between those assigned to different groups)
Double-blind procedure
Experimental procedure in which both the participants/staff are “blind” about whether the participants have received the treatment or the placebo (ex. Drug evaluation studies)
Placebo effect
Experimental results caused by expectations alone
Independent variable
Experimental factor that is manipulated; its effect is being studied
Confounding variable
A factor other than the IV who might produce an effect in the experiment
Dependent variable
The outcome factor
Mode
The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution
