Unit 0: Research Methods and Ethics in Psychology

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to research methods and ethics in psychology.

Theory

Observations that explain and predict phenomena

Meta-Analysis

Combining multiple studies

Experiment

A study where variables are manipulated to determine cause and effect.

Correlational Studies

Research that examines the relationship between variables.

Case Study

In-depth research on a very specific event or individual, cannot be generalizable

Qualitative Research

Research that focuses on understanding concepts and experiences.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction that is falsifiable.

Operational Definition

The exact procedure taken to conduct an experiment.

Peer Reviewers

Experts who evaluate the research for quality and validity.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome that is measured in an experiment.

Confounding Variable

An extraneous aspect of the experiment that might affect results/bring unwanted effects

Random Sampling

Selecting participants at random to avoid bias.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment (placebo)

Placebo Effect

Improvement due to the expectation of treatment rather than actual treatment, psychologically tricked

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek out information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs.

Double-Blind Study

When neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is in the control or experimental groups nor the IV

Statistical Significance

The likelihood that a result is not due to chance.

Informed Consent

ethical guideline: Participants are fully aware of the experiment and give permission to be studied.

Confidentiality

ethical guideline: Keeping participant identities private in research.

Deception

ethical guideline: when participants are unaware that they are participating or unaware of the true purpose of the study 

Debriefing

ethical guideline: talking about the true purpose of the experiment after it is conducted with the participants, especially when it involves deception 

Minimize Risk and Discomfort

ethical guideline: when in an experiment, it is necessary to not have any unnecessary pain or discomfort or risk of life

Single-Blind Study

the participant knows the independent variable, but the experimenter doesnt 

Social Desirability Bias

a bias where you tend to underreport the bad and overreport the good

Hindsight Bias

a bias where you think that had you known the answer in advance, you would have gotten the answer correct

Replication

important but underfunded when it comes to experiments, determines validity of experiments for more accurate results 

Experimental Group

the group of an experiment that are given the independent variable 

Sampling Bias

a bias where an unrepresentative group of people are selected to achieve a certain result 

Experiment Bias

where experimenter performs certain things in order to achieve a result that aligns with their hypothesis 

Falsifiable

can be tested (tea cup around the earth)

Random Assignment

a way to control bias based on the way participants of an experiment