Unit 1 Vocab - AP Psych

Applied Research

The scientific study aimed at solving practical problems.

Basic Research

Pure science that aims to increase psychology’s knowledge base.

Behaviorism

The view that psychology should be an objective science studying behavior without reference to mental processes.

Biopsychosocial Approach

Combines biological, psychological, and socio-cultural viewpoints.

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes the potential for human growth.

Case Study

In-depth study of an individual or group to reveal universal principles.

Clinical Psychology

Studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders.

Confounding Variable

A factor other than the one being studied that might influence results.

Control Condition

The condition with no treatment to compare with the experimental condition.

Correlation

Measure of how two factors vary together and predict each other.

Control Group

The group not exposed to the treatment.

Correlation Coefficient

Statistical index of the relationship between two things (-1 to 1).

Dependent Variable

The outcome measured or changes based on the independent variable.

Double-Blind Procedure

Neither participants nor administrators know which group receives treatment to remove bias.

Empiricism

Knowledge comes from experience, observation, and experimentation enabling scientific knowledge.

Experiment

Investigator manipulates factors to observe the effect.

Experimental Condition

Conditions of an experiment that expose participants to the treatment (independent variable).

Functionalism

Focuses on how mental and behavioral processes function for adaption, survival, and flourishing.

Hindsight Bias

Tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.

Hypothesis

Testable prediction.

Independent Variable

Manipulated factor studied for its effect.

Informed Consent

Participants are given information about a study to choose to participate.

Range

Gap between the lowest and highest scores.

Debriefing

Post-experimental explanation of the study's purpose and deceptions.

Mean

Average of scores.

Median

Middle score with half below and half above.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without intervention.

Nature-Nurture Issue

The effect of genes vs. experience on the development of traits and behaviors.

Natural Selection

Inherited traits that enable survival and reproduction passed down to further generations.

Operational Definition

Carefully worded statement of procedures used in a research study.

Placebo Effect

Results caused by expectations alone, from the recipient believing the treatment works.

Population

Individuals in a group being studied.

Psychiatry

Doctors licensed to prescribe drugs and psychological therapy.

Psychology

Science of behavior and mental processes.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants into experimental and control groups by chance.

Random Sample

Fair representation of a population where each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Standard Deviation

Measure of how much scores vary around the mean.

Structuralism

Used introspection to reveal the mind's structure.

Survey

Obtaining self-reported behaviors, usually through questioning.

Theory

Explanation using principles to organize observations and predict behaviors.