Unit 1.1 & 1.2 Flashcards
Psychobabble
explain why someone is behaving the way they do
Theoretical Explanation
explanation for a psychological phenomenon, linked to empirical investigation
- a statement used to organize, summarize, and explain observations
- can be used to make predictions
- not like laws of science
- theories are probable, but not certain
- always open to some degree of doubt
Empirical Investigation
when a researcher collects and analyzes data in order to investigate a psychological phenomenon
- Research can be observed and measured
- A theory might result from an empirical investigation
Psychology
scientific study of mental processes and behaviors and how these are affected by internal processes and the environment
Level of analysis: Biological
Focuses on physiology and genetics
Level of analysis: Cognitive
Focuses on mental processes like memory, thinking, and perception
Level of analysis: Sociocultural
Focuses on how environment and culture affects behavioral thinking
Critical Thinking
The ability and willingness to asses claims and make objective judgements on the basis of well supported reasons and evidence
Aim
Purpose of study
Target Population
Group whose behavior the researcher wishes to investigate
Procedure
Step-by-step process used by the researcher to carry out the study
Findings
states how the researcher interpreted the data that was collected
Sample
nature of the group of participants, important in determining the usefulness of a piece of information
Opportunity Sampling
whoever happens to be there and agrees to participate
Representative Sample
sample that represents population
Self-Selected Sampling
made up of volunteers
-relatively easy to obtain, will be highly motivated
Snowball Sampling
when participants recruit other participants from among their friends or acquaintances
Participant variability
extent in which participants may share a common set of traits that can bias the outcome of the study
Random Sampling
Every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected
Stratified Sampling
Drawing random samples from each subpopulation within the target population
Ethics in psychological studies
Participants should be treated in an ethical matter following the ethical guidelines:
- informed consent
- deception
- debriefing
- withdrawal
- confidentiality
- Protection from physical and mental harm
Validity
another way to discuss findings by considering whether the research does what it claims to do
Reliability
When a study can be replicated
Generalizability
behaviors observed in a random sample are assumed to be representative of those in a larger population
