Glossary Terms Chapter 2

Question 1

A procedure for obtaining information on the basis of observation

Answer 1

empirical method

Question 2

A procedure for acquiring and testing knowledge through systematic observation or experimentation (through use of empirical methods)

Answer 2

scientific method

Question 3

An association between two or more things, such that one causes the other (makes it happen)

Answer 3

causal relationship

Question 4

An argument in which the thing to be explained is presented as the explanation

Answer 4

circular argument

Question 5

The process of rejecting conclusions and theories on the basis of evidence that is inconsistent with them. A commitment to carrying out research with this objective is referred to as…

Answer 5

falsification

Question 6

Formally, a statement about the causal relationship between particular phenomena (form:A causes B). This is usually derived from a particular theory and designed to be tested in research.

Answer 6

hypothesis

Question 7

The process of drawing conclusions and developing theories on the basis of accumulated observations

Answer 7

induction

Question 8

The process and outcome of attempts to explain an empirical finding by restating that finding

Answer 8

redescription

Question 9

Falsification synonym

Answer 9

refutation

Question 10

Treating an abstraction as if it were a real concrete thing. In psychology this refers to the process and outcome of treating an empirical finding as if it were a straightforward expression of an underlying psychological process.

Answer 10

reification

Question 11

A system of explanation used to make sense of, and integrate, a number of empirical findings.

Answer 11

theory

Question 12

The goal of accounting for the maximum number of empirical findings in terms of the smallest number of theoretical principles.

Answer 12

parsimony

Question 13

The extent to which a given finding will be consistently reproduced.

Answer 13

reliability

Question 14

Both (a) the process of attempting to reproduce a previously obtained finding and (b) a research finding which reproduces another that has been obtained previously.

Answer 14

replication

Question 15

A piece of empirical research

Answer 15

study

Question 16

The extent to which a given finding shows what it is believed to show. A valid finding is one that has been logically and correctly interpreted.

Answer 16

validity