AP PSYCH unit 1

Hindsight bias

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

Critical thinking

Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions but examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.

Theory

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes and predicts observations.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Operational definition

A statement of the procedures used to define research variables.

Replication

Repeating the essence of a research study to test whether the basic findings extend to other participants and circumstances.

Case study

An observation technique studying one person in-depth to reveal universal principles.

Survey

A technique for ascertaining self-reported attitudes or behaviors by questioning a representative, random sample of people.

Population

All the cases in a group from which samples may be drawn for a study.

Random sample

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Naturalistic observation

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without manipulation.

Correlation

A measure of how two factors vary together and predict each other.

Scatterplot

A graphed cluster of dots representing values of two variables.

Illusory correlation

The perception of a relationship where none exists.

Experiment

A research method where an investigator manipulates factors to observe effects on behavior or mental processes.

Double-blind procedure

An experimental procedure where both participants and staff are unaware of who received treatment or a placebo.

Placebo effect

Experimental results caused by expectations alone.

Experimental condition

The condition that exposes participants to the treatment in an experiment.

Control condition

The condition that contrasts with the experimental condition for evaluation.

Random assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance.

Independent variable

The experimental factor manipulated to study its effect.

Dependent variable

The outcome factor that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

Mode

The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.

Mean

The arithmetic average of a distribution.

Median

The middle score in a distribution.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

Standard deviation

A measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.

Statistical significance

A statement of how likely an obtained result occurred by chance.

Culture

Enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a large group of people.