Introduction to Psychological Perspectives and Research Methods

Vocabulary practice cards covering the eight major psychological perspectives, common cognitive biases, and key elements of psychological research methodology.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Explores how unconscious drives, conflicts, and childhood experiences shape behavior.

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they're learned through interaction with the environment.

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasizes personal growth, free will, and the concept of self-actualization.

Cognitive Perspective

Examines internal mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Biological Perspective

Studies the physiological bases of behavior in humans and animals.

Evolutionary Perspective

Considers how behavior and mental processes serve as adaptations for survival and reproduction.

Sociocultural Perspective

Analyzes how culture, social norms, and social environments influence behavior.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

Combines biological, psychological, and social factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior

Confirmation Bias

People tend to look for, interpret, or remember information in a way that confirms what they already believe.

Hindsight Bias

People believe that they knew something was going to happen after it has already occurred, even if they didn't actually predict it beforehand.

Overconfidence

When people have too much faith in their own judgments or abilities, thinking they know more than they actually do.

Empirical Evidence

Refers to information that is obtained through observation, experimentation, or measurement.

The Scientific Method

a method in psychology is a systematic approach used to study human behavior and mental processes

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction or educated guess about the relationship between variables or the outcome of a research study.

Falsifiable

Statement that can be tested and potentially proven false through observation or experimentation.

Peer Review

a process where research articles and studies are evaluated by experts in the field before they are published in academic journals.

Replication

the process of repeating or reproducing a research study to determine if its findings can be consistently observed.

Reliability

a measure or test is considered reliable if it produces consistent results when administered repeatedly under similar conditions.

Validity

refers to the extent to which a research study or measurement tool accurately measures what it intends to measure.

The American Psychological Association (APA)

a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of psychology and promoting the application of psychological knowledge to improve human welfare.

Research Design

The overall plan (blueprint) for how you will answer a research question. It includes deciding what you want to study, what you want to find out, and how you will gather and analyze your information.

Methodology

the tools and methods you use to collect your data/specific ways to gather information

Quantitative Data

Numbers-based information gathered from surveys, tests, or experiments.

Qualitative Data

Not about numbers but gives deeper insights into complex topics.

Likert Scales

Measurement tool used in surveys and questionnaires to assess people's attitudes, opinions, or perceptions.

structured interviews

research method in which predetermined questions are asked to all participants in the same order.

survey technique

research method used to collect data from a sample of individuals through self report measures.

Wording Effect

Subtle changes in the phrasing or wording of survey questions can influence respondents' interpretations and responses.

Social Desirability Bias

Refers to the tendency of individuals to respond in a manner that is viewed favorably by others or conforms to social norms, rather than providing honest or accurate answers.

Naturalistic Observation

Research method in psychology where researchers observe and record behavior in real-world settings without intervention or manipulation.

Case Study

Research method in psychology that involves an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, or phenomenon.