Psychological Research Methods Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key psychological research method terms and definitions based on the lecture transcript.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it

Peer Reviewers

Scientific experts who evaluate a research article's theory, originality, and accuracy

Theory

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Hypothesis

A testable prediction

Falsifiable

The possibility that an idea, hypothesis, or theory can be disproven by observation and experiment

Operational Definition

A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a research study

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

A non-experimental technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

Naturalistic Observation

A non-experimental technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Survey

A non-experimental technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group

Social Desirability Bias

Bias from people's responding in ways they presume a researcher expects or wishes