AP Psychology - 1.3

Hindsight bias

viewing an event as more predictable than it really is; "I knew it all along"

Self-fulfilling prophecy

prediction that results in behavior that makes the prediction come true

What is the first step of the Scientific Method?

Identify a Research Question

Research questions are best directed at observable behavior, because it can be measured directly

What is the second step of the Scientific Method?

State the hypothesis of the research scenario

A prediction about behavior that is tested through research

What is the third step of the Scientific Method?

Testing the hypothesis

Use carefully controlled methods of observation

Must be testable and falsifiable

What is the fourth step of the Scientific Method?

Analyze Results

Look for patterns or relationships in the data

What is the fifth step of the Scientific Method?

Replication

For findings to be confirmed, the study must be repeated and the same results must be produced

Meta-Analysis:

• A procedure for statistically combining the results of many different research studies

Case-study Method:

• A carefully detailed/in-depth investigation of an individual or small group

Naturalistic - Observation (Field Study):

• Organisms are observed in their natural environments

Survey Method:

• A method of scientific investigation in which a large sample of people is questioned about their attitudes or behavior

  • Information may not be reliable because people may not be honest in their responses

self-report bias

Asking people about their thoughts/feelings/behaviors as opposed to directly observing and measuring them

Social desirability bias

The tendency for respondents to answer question s in a manner that would be viewed as favorable by others

Longitudinal Method:

• Observing selected participants over a long period of time (usually at periodic intervals)

  • Because longitudinal studies are extremely time-consuming and often expensive, scientists may use…

Cross-Sectional Method:

• Instead of following a group over a number of years, researchers select a sample that includes people of different ages and then compare behavior

  • This information is less reliable

What are the six forms of Non-Experimental Methodology?

Meta-Analysis, Case-Study Method, Naturalistic Observation (Field Study), Survey Method, Longitudinal Method, & Cross-sectional Method .

Laboratory-Observation:

Takes place in a laboratory - a place in which theories, techniques, and methods are tested and demonstrated

A Study or Experiment:

Takes place using independent variables(s) and random assignment of groups

What are the two forms of Experimental Methodology?

Laboratory Observation or A Study/Experiment