AP Psych Module 0.1-0.3

Theory

an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors of events.

Population

all those in a group being studied from which random samples may be drawn.

Random sample

a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Sampling bias

a flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample.

Representative samples

a sample that accurately represents the larger population being studied

Case study

a non-experimental technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

Survey

A non-experimental technique for obtaining the self reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group usually by questioning a representative random sample of a group.

Social desirability bias

bias from people's responding in ways they presume a researcher expects or wishes

Self-report bias

bias when people report their behavior inaccurately

Naturalistic observation

A non-experimental technique of observing and recording behavior and naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Hypothesis

a testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Falsifiable/Falsifiability

the possibility that an idea, hypothesis, or theory can be disproven by observation or experiment

Operational definition

a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study.

Peer reviewer

scientific experts who evaluate a research article's theory, originality, and accuracy.

Replication

repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced

Overconfidence

the tendency to be more confident than correct - to overestimate the accuracy of our beliefs and judgments

Hindsight bias

the tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (also known as the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon)