Key Psychology Terms HS

Determinism

The belief that behaviour is controlled by internal or external factors, rather than free will.

Reductionism

The belief that human behaviour can be explained by breaking it down into simpler components.

Ecological Validity

The extent to which research findings can be applied to real-world settings.

Reliability

The consistency of a research study or measuring test.

Temporal Validity

The extent to which research findings remain valid over time.

Internal Validity

The degree to which a study accurately measures what it claims to measure.

Classical Conditioning

A form of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a reflex response through repeated pairings.

Schema

A cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information in the brain.

Individual Differences

Variations among individuals in their behaviour, cognition, or emotional responses.

Generalise

The ability to apply findings from a study to wider populations beyond the sample studied.