Exam 1 Flashcards
(158 cards)
Features of science
Logical-systematic observation, repeatable- public verification, open to disconfirmation-solvable probelms
Observational/ethno graphy studies
observe behavior where it typically happens. Strengths- high in external validity (ability to generalize conclusions to other stimuli/groups) limitations- can only describe, no private/rare events, subject to observer bias, absent internal validity (support causal claims)
Correlational studies
Determine how much in what way two pre-exisitng variables are related. Strengths- Can study things you can’t or shouldn’t manipulate, get lots of data, often relatively cheap and easy. Limitations- response bias, sampling errors( deviation of sample from population), cannot interpret causality, Correlation DOES NOT prove causation.
Experimental Studies
manipulate one or more variables while controlling others (holding things constant). Strengths- high internal validity, CAN conclude causality. Limitation- may be relatively expensive, subject to demand characteristics (responses changing to fit participant belief about the study), low external validity.
Independent vs dependent variables
Independent variable: The variable that is manipulated by the experimenter
Dependent variable: The measurement of the consequences
Theory vs hypothesis
Theory: An integrated set of statements that describes, predicts, or explains behavior. Backed by logic or reasonable evidence
Hypothesis: Specific, testable, and disconfirmable statement about the behavior we want to study or theory we want to test
Construct vs operationalization
Construct: The conceptual representation of the phenomenon around which research is beased. Intangible- does not exist in the physical reality. Ex. “venting frustration”
Operationalization: Defines a construct in concrete terms “throwing a chair at one’s boss”
Goals of research
describe a behavior, predict behavior, and explain behavior
External and internal validity
External: an indication of how well the results of a study generalize beyond the sampling from the experiment
Internal: confidence that only the manipulated independent variable. No other external influence could have produced the results.
Reliability
The degree to which a particular way of measuring a variable yield consistent results
Problem in studies
Response bias- people tend to lie or bend the truth
Sampling error- error that occurs when a sample somehow does not represent the target population
Demand characteristics-cues in experiment that tell the participant what behavior is expected
Social desirability bias -the tendency to respond to questions in a socially desirable manner
Third variables
A variable, often measured in correlational research, that can be the true explanation for the relationship between two other variables
IRB and ethical concerns
IRB:institutional review board monitors activies and approves studies before running them
Ethical concerns: Require informed consent so people know what they are getting into. Attempt to minimize discomfort, only do worthwhile research, ensure confidentiality of identity/data, debrief participants to the true nature of the study after it’s over, including any decpetion
Replication
reproduction of research results by the original investigator or by someone else
Better-than-average-effect
tendency to perceive ourselves better than everyone else or the average person. Peoples tend to think they’re better than most people even if they’re not.
Contingencies of self-worth
Fluctuations in self-esteem depend on how important the domain is.
Direct feedback
the information received from others abouttraits and abilities-explicit or objective feedback
Dunning-kruger effect
Low performers think they are BETTER than the reality, high performers think they are WORSE than reality
Impression management
strategic control of information comunicated to audiences. Can be trivial information or more important. Audience can be real, imagined, or self.
Introspection
you know yourself better than anyone.. Looking inward. There are limits on that knowledge
Promotion vs. prevention focus
focusing your life on self betterment and positive things versus focusing on avoiding negative
Reflected appraisals
our PERCEPTION of how others percieve and evaluate us (if i am picked last for the basketbal team then I will assume I am bad at basketball)
Self evaluation maintence model
A theory predicting under what conditions people are likely to react to the success of others with either pride or jealousy using social comparison and reflection
Self-affirmation theory
The idea that people can maintain an overall sense of self-worth following psychologically threatening information by affirming a valued aspect of themselves unrelated to the threat