Ch1: Psychology is a Way of Thinking

Psychologists

Empiricists who base conclusions on objective observation, not assumptions

Scientists

Publish research in scientific journals after peer review

Journalists

Publishers for popular media who summarize and simplify studies for the general public; can sometimes be misleading or exaggerate research findings for views

Theory-Data Cycle

The ongoing process of developing theories, testing them with research, and revising them based on results

Theory

Falsifiable and most general statement about how variables are related to each other (described as "well supported," not proved); example: contact comfort (not food) is the primary basis of attachment toward mother

Research Question

A question more specific than the theory, tested by a research design

Research Design

The master plan of a study; sets the rules for how data will be collected, measured, and analyzed

Preregistration

After the study is designed, the researcher publicly states the hypothesis before collecting data

Data Collection

The stage where researchers gather data according to the research design

Supporting Data

When other scientists recreate a study and get similar results, strengthening the theory

Unsupported Data

When other scientists recreate a study and get different results, leading to revision of the theory or an improved design