Scientific Foundations of Psychology

A comprehensive set of 90 vocabulary flashcards covering essential concepts from psychological research methods, definitions, and ethical considerations.

Research Methods

Techniques used to conduct psychological research, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Experimental Methodology

A research method that involves manipulation of independent variables and random assignment.

Non-experimental Methodologies

Research methods that include case studies, correlation, meta-analysis, and naturalistic observation.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Falsifiable Hypothesis

A hypothesis that can be disproven through experimentation or observation.

Operational Definition

A definition that specifies the procedures for measuring variables.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Confounding Variable

An extraneous variable that may influence the outcome of a study.

Population

The entire group of individuals from which a sample may be drawn.

Sample

A subset of the population used for the purpose of conducting a study.

Representative Sample

A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population.

Random Sampling

A method of selecting participants in which each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Convenience Sampling

A method of sampling where participants are selected based on availability and ease of access.

Sampling Bias

A bias that occurs when the sample is not representative of the population.

Generalization

The extent to which research findings can be applied to the larger population.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment and is used as a benchmark.

Random Assignment

The process of assigning participants to different groups in a random manner.

Placebo

A substance with no therapeutic effect used as a control in testing new drugs.

Placebo Effect

Improvements in health or behavior not attributable to the actual treatment, but rather to the participant's belief in its effectiveness.

Single-Blind Procedure

An experimental procedure in which the participants do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group.

Double-Blind Procedure

An experimental procedure in which both participants and experimenters are unaware of group assignments.

Measurement Instrument

The tool used to collect data in research, which can be qualitative or quantitative.

Qualitative Research

Research that focuses on understanding the meaning and experiences of individuals.

Quantitative Research

Research that focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.

Likert Scales

A type of scale used to measure attitudes or opinions by asking respondents to indicate their level of agreement.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

A committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met.

Informed Consent

A process by which participants are fully informed about the study and consent to participate.

Informed Assent

Agreement to participate in research by individuals who are not fully able to give informed consent, typically minors.

Confidentiality

The ethical principle that protects participant information from being disclosed.

Debriefing

The process of informing participants about the true nature of a study after its completion.

Data Interpretation

The process of making sense of data collected during research.

Mean

The average value in a set of numerical data.

Median

The middle value when a data set is ordered.

Mode

The value that occurs most frequently in a data set.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest values in a data set.

Standard Deviation

A measure of the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values.

Percentile Rank

A measure indicating the value below which a given percentage of observations falls.

Normal Curve

A bell-shaped curve that represents the distribution of variables.

Skewed Distribution

A distribution that is not symmetrical and has a tail on one side.

Bimodal Distribution

A distribution with two different modes or peaks.

Correlation

A measure of the relationship between two variables.

Correlation Coefficient

A numerical value that represents the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

Directionality Problem

A challenge in correlational studies where the direction of the relationship between variables is unclear.

Regression Toward the Mean

The tendency for extreme values to return to more average levels over time.

Behavioral Perspective

A psychological perspective that emphasizes observable behavior and its relationship to environmental stimuli.

Psychodynamic Perspective

A psychological approach that focuses on unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

Humanistic Perspective

An approach that emphasizes personal growth and the concept of self-actualization.

Cognitive Perspective

A view that focuses on mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Evolutionary Perspectives

An approach that examines psychological traits as evolved adaptations.

Sociocultural Perspective

A view that examines how external factors influence behavior.

Biological Perspective

An approach focusing on the biological underpinnings of behavior, including genetics and neurobiology.

Self-report Bias

The tendency for respondents to provide inaccurate self-reported information.

Social Desirability Bias

A bias where individuals respond in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others.