Scientific Practice of Psychology Notes

Descriptive Research

Research aimed at describing reality using techniques such as surveys and naturalistic observation.

Survey

A technique for gathering generalizable data from a population, though results may be affected by dishonesty and wording issues.

Observer Bias

A phenomenon where the observer's expectations influence the outcome of an observation.

Observer Effect

When subjects change their behavior because they are being watched.

Case Study

An in-depth exploration of an unreplicable situation.

Scientific Method

A systematic method of observing and experimenting to justify a hypothesis.

Hypothesis

A specific prediction derived from a theory, outlining expected relationships between variables.

Falsifiable

A hypothesis must be able to be proven wrong.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for evidence that confirms one's beliefs.

Operational Definition

A clear statement of the procedures used to measure behaviors or qualities.

Biological Perspective

Focuses on how the body and brain enable human emotions and behaviors.

Cognitive Perspective

Views human behavior as a result of information processing.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Emphasizes the influence of the unconscious on behavior.

Humanistic Perspective

Highlights personal growth and the influence of self-concept.

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on learning through stimuli, rewards, and punishments.

Sociocultural Perspective

Examines behavior in a social context, influenced by culture and norms.

Evolutionary Perspective

Investigates how behavior has adapted through natural selection.

Experimental Method

The only research method that investigates cause and effect relationships.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment, influenced by the independent variable.

Population

All individuals who could potentially participate in a study.

Random Assignment

A method ensuring that participants have an equal chance of being assigned to any experimental group.

Confounding Variables

Extraneous factors that might affect the outcome of an experiment.

Single-Blind Study

An experiment where participants do not know which group they belong to.

Double-Blind Study

An experiment where neither the participants nor the researchers know group assignments.

Placebo Effect

Changes in participants' behavior due to their expectations, rather than any actual treatment.

Correlational Research

A research method that shows the relationship between two variables without manipulating them.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that indicates the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

Directionality Problem

A situation in correlational research where it is unclear which variable causes the other.

Meta-Analysis

A study that synthesizes findings from several independent studies on the same topic.

Outliers

Data points that are significantly different from other observations.

Bimodal Distribution

A probability distribution with two distinct peaks or modes.