psych1.1

Empirical evidence

Information gained through observation or experiments, used in scientific research.

Scientific method

A step-by-step process used to answer research questions in psychology.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction about behavior.

Theory

A well-supported explanation based on many studies.

Correlation

A relationship between two variables.

Causation

Occurs when one variable directly causes a change in another.

Random sampling

Selecting participants so everyone has an equal chance of being chosen.

Independent variable

The variable that the researcher manipulates or changes.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Intrinsic motivation

Doing something because it is personally rewarding.

Extrinsic motivation

Doing something because of external rewards or punishments.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain internal balance.

Cognitive dissonance

Discomfort felt when beliefs and actions conflict.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A theory suggesting humans are motivated by a hierarchy of needs.

Emotion

A complex experience involving physiological arousal, cognitive interpretation, and behavioral expression.

James-Lange Theory

Theory stating that emotion occurs after physiological changes.

Facial Feedback Theory

Theory suggesting that facial expressions can influence emotions.

Longitudinal study

A study that observes the same group of people over a long time.

Cross-sectional study

A study that compares different age groups at one time.

Overjustification effect

When external rewards reduce intrinsic motivation.

Insufficient justification

When people change their attitudes to match their behavior when the reward is small.

Correlation coefficient

A numerical value that shows the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

Correlational fallacy

The mistake of assuming that because two things are related, one causes the other.

Experimenter bias

When researcher expectations influence the results of an experiment.

Participant bias

When participants change their behavior because they know they are being studied.

Drive Reduction Theory

Theory stating that motivation comes from the desire to reduce physical discomfort.

Self-efficacy

Belief in your ability to succeed.

Optimal arousal theory

Theory stating people are motivated to maintain an ideal level of excitement or alertness.