Week 1 Introduction to Reserach

Cognitive Bias

Unconscious and predictable shortcuts or systematic errors in interpreting the world.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts used to make quick decisions or judgments.

What is peer review?

The process where a research paper is evaluated by experts before publication.

Who reviews a research paper during the peer review process?

3-4 scientists evaluate the paper's relevance, methods, and validity.

What role does a journal editor play in the peer review process?

The journal editor sends the research paper for peer review.

What is the purpose of peer review?

To ensure the quality and validity of communal research before publication.

Scientific Consensus

A collective judgment of experts in a scientific field after extensive evidence collection. Not considered as proof nor is permanent. May not be reached due to lack of information.

Theory

A set of explanatory principles used to integrate and explain empirical findings.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction about the causal relationship between phenomena.

Falsification

The process of gathering empirical evidence that contradicts a theory or hypothesis.

Parsimony

The principle that the simplest explanation accounting for all facts is preferred.

Primary Source

The original research study or direct output where findings are first reported.

SIFT Method

Information evaluation framework: Stop, Investigate source, Find coverage, Trace to original context.

Communal Research

Constantly reviews research to ensure accuracy and validity. Break through studies become rare. Skepticism of research makes it robust.

Unanimous Scientific Consensus

Majority of people in certain field have to agree with evidence.

Scientific Method

Process in which scientist collectivity over time construct accurate, reab9ilbe and consistent representation of the world. Reputably testing theories/hypotheses.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach emphasizing observable behavior over internal mental processes.

Hierarchical Theory of Motor Control

A motor control theory stating that the central nervous system is organized top-down.