Intro to Experimental Psychology - Lesson 1

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms, concepts, methods, and famous unethical studies from Lesson 1: Intro to Experimental Psychology.

Experimental psychology

The branch of psychology that studies behavior and mental processes through controlled experiments to test hypotheses.

Independent variable (IV)

The variable the researcher deliberately manipulates to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent variable (DV)

The variable measured to assess the effect of the manipulated IV.

Constructs

Intangible abstract ideas used to represent phenomena in research (e.g., intelligence, anxiety).

Antecedent conditions

All circumstances that occur or exist before the event or behavior to be explained (also called antecedents).

Science

Systematic knowledge gained through observation and reasoning; from Latin scientia meaning knowledge.

Methodology

The scientific techniques used to collect and evaluate psychological data.

Pseudoscience

Beliefs or practices that claim to be scientific but do not adhere to the scientific method.

Confirmation Bias

Tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms preconceptions.

Overconfidence Bias

Overestimating one’s abilities or knowledge.

Describe (goal of psychology)

To accurately portray phenomena and events as they occur.

Explain (goal of psychology)

To provide reasons or causes for observed phenomena.

Predict (goal of psychology)

To forecast future occurrences or behaviors based on evidence.

Control (goal of psychology)

To influence or regulate processes to achieve desired outcomes.

Scientific Mentality

Belief that behavior follows natural order and can be predicted; associated with a rational, evidence-based approach.

Gathering Empirical Data

Collecting data that are observable or experienced and verifiable through investigation.

Seeking General Principles

Finding overarching rules to organize diverse observations in science.

Laws

General principles applicable to a wide range of situations.

Good Thinking

Systematic, objective, rational thinking; avoiding personal beliefs shaping observations.

Principle of Parsimony

Preferring simpler explanations that require fewer assumptions.

Self-Correction

Willingness to revise conclusions in light of new evidence or uncertainty.

Publicizing Results

Sharing findings with the scientific community.

Replication

Repeating procedures to obtain the same or similar results.

Observation

Systematic noting and recording of events.

Measurement

Assigning numerical values to objects or events.

Experimentation

Testing hypotheses by manipulating variables to observe effects.

Comparing Treatment Conditions

Examining different antecedent conditions (treatments) applied to subjects.

Psychology Experiment

An experiment with two or more treatment conditions applied to subjects and measured/met to compare outcomes.

Establishing Cause & Effect

Aim to determine causal relationships through controlled manipulation and measurement.

Little Albert

Unethical Watson study conditioning fear in an infant; inspired by Pavlov’s conditioning.

Harlow’s Monkey Experiment

Showed importance of maternal contact beyond nourishment (comfort) for bonding.

Milgram Experiment

1963 study on obedience to authority and conformity to instructions.

Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes Experiment

Jane Elliott’s prejudice-experiment simulating discrimination by eye color.

Monster Study

1939 Wendell Johnson study on stuttering; debate over genetics vs. social conditioning.