The Science of Psychology (Chapter Preview)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key psychology concepts from the lecture notes.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes, using systematic methods.

Behavior

The observable actions or responses of a person or animal.

Mental processes

Thoughts, feelings, and motives that are not directly observable.

Empirical method

A process of observation, data collection, and reasoning to draw conclusions.

Critical thinking

Careful, reflective evaluation of information and evidence.

Curiosity

The desire to ask questions and seek knowledge.

Skepticism

A readiness to question claims and require evidence.

Objectivity

Neutral and unbiased evaluation of information.

Observation

Noticing and describing phenomena to collect data.

Theory

A broad, testable explanation that predicts future observations and can be falsified.

Falsifiable

Capable of being proven wrong by evidence.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction derived from a theory.

Variable

Any factor that can change in a study.

Independent variable (IV)

The variable the researcher manipulates.

Dependent variable (DV)

The outcome measured to assess the effect of the IV.

Operational definition

The specific procedures or measurements used to define a variable.

Replication

Repeating a study to see if results can be reproduced.

Reliability

Consistency of a measure or finding across trials or observers.

Validity

The extent to which a measure or study assesses what it intends to.

External validity

Generalizability of findings to real-world settings.

Internal validity

Confidence that observed effects are caused by the manipulated variable.

Bias

Systematic errors or expectations that influence outcomes.

Placebo effect

Participants’ expectations produce outcomes independent of treatment.

Double-blind

Neither participants nor researchers know group assignments.

Descriptive research

Research that describes phenomena using observation, surveys, interviews, or case studies.

Case study

In-depth examination of a single person or group.

Correlational research

Studies that examine relationships between variables; does not imply causation.

Causation

A cause-and-effect relationship established through experimental manipulation.

Experimental research

Research that manipulates an IV to test for causal effects under controlled conditions.

Random assignment

Allocating participants to groups by chance to ensure equivalence.

Control group

Group that does not receive the experimental manipulation.

Experimental group

Group that receives the manipulated variable.

Population

The entire group about which conclusions are drawn.

Sample

A subset of the population actually studied.

Setting

The location where the study takes place (lab, etc.).

Ethics

Principles guiding the rights and welfare of research participants.

APA guidelines

Ethical standards from the American Psychological Association for conducting research.

Informed consent

Participants agree to participate with knowledge of risks and rights.

Confidentiality

Protection of participants’ data and identity.

Debriefing

Providing participants with a full explanation of the study after participation.

Deception

Withholding or misleading information; allowed only with justification and debriefing.

No harm

Ethical principle ensuring participants are not harmed by research.

Animal research

Use of animals under humane care to advance knowledge; regulated by ethics guidelines.

Structuralism

Early psychology approach focusing on basic elements of mental processes via introspection.

Introspection

Looking inward to report one’s conscious experiences.

Functionalism

Focus on the purposes and functions of mind and behavior, linked to adaptation.

Natural selection

Darwinian process by which advantageous traits become more common.

Biopsychosocial model

View that biology, psychology, and social factors all influence behavior.

Biological approach

Focus on the brain and nervous system; neuroscience, genetics, biochemistry.

Behavioral approach

Emphasizes observable behavior and environmental determinants; rewards and punishments.

Psychodynamic approach

Freud’s view: behavior shaped by unconscious drives and early experiences.

Humanistic approach

Emphasizes free will, personal growth, and altruism.

Cognitive approach

Emphasizes mental processes: thinking, memory, problem solving.

Evolutionary approach

Explains behavior via evolution: adaptation, natural selection.

Sociocultural approach

Considers social and cultural influences on behavior.

Behavioral Neuroscience

Study of the biology of behavior, emphasizing brain and nervous system.

Sensation and Perception

How sensory information is detected and interpreted.

Learning

Processes by which behavior changes as a result of experience.

Developmental

Study of growth and change across the lifespan.

Motivation & Emotion

Study of drives, needs, and emotional states.

Personality

Enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Social psychology

How others influence thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

Clinical & Counselling

Assessment and treatment of mental health issues.

Health psychology

Role of psychology in health, illness, and well-being.

Industrial/Organizational

Study of behavior in workplace settings.

Cross-Cultural

Comparison of behavior across different cultures.

Descriptive survey example

Example: measuring anxiety prevalence among college students.

Correlation vs. causation

Correlation shows association; not proof of causation.

Converging evidence

Multiple studies supporting a conclusion to strengthen confidence.