Scientific Thinking in Psychology - Comprehensive Study Notes (copy)

What is the process of actively recalling information to reinforce memory retention called?

Active Recall

The principle of focusing on interpersonal interactions and cultural influences is part of which level of analysis?

Social Level

What is the belief that we perceive the world around us directly and objectively called?

Naïve Realism

Define pseudoscience.

A set of claims that appear scientific but lack empirical testing and falsifiability.

What challenge in psychology states that actions are rarely caused by a single factor?

Actions are Multiply Determined

What does the term 'Reciprocal Determinism' refer to?

The continuous influence between individuals and their environments on behavior.

Outline the first step of the Scientific Method.

Systematic Observation — Gathering reliable descriptions of real-world phenomena.

What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

A theory is a broad explanation for multiple findings, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction derived from a theory.

What biological role does a Biological Psychologist study?

They investigate physiological, neural, genetic, and anatomical bases of mind and action.

Explain the 'Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence' principle.

Claims contradicting established laws must provide proportionately stronger proof.

What do we call the tendency to seek information confirming our pre-existing beliefs?

Confirmation Bias

Identify the core focus of Functionalism in psychology.

Understanding the adaptive purposes and evolutionary functions of mind and behavior.

Describe the concept of 'Multifinality'.

A single initial risk factor can lead to multiple distinct behavioral outcomes.

List the six core principles of scientific thinking.

1. Ruling Out Rival Hypotheses; 2. Correlation Is Not Causation; 3. Falsifiability; 4. Replicability; 5. Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence; 6. Occam's Razor.

What is the core focus of Behaviourism?

Investigating observable, measurable environmental events and external behaviors.