Psychology Unit 0

Hindsight bias

The tendency to believe we 'knew it all along' after an event has happened.

Overconfidence

The tendency to think we know more than we actually do and seek confirming information for our beliefs.

Scientific inquiry

To correct biases by testing ideas with data instead of assumptions.

Theory, Hypothesis, Experiment & Observation, Peer Review, Operational Definitions.

Steps of the scientific method.

Case study

An in-depth study of one person or a small group to reveal universal truths.

Random sample.

A sampling method where every person in a population has an equal chance of being included.

Regression toward the mean.

The phenomenon where extreme samples tend to be closer to the mean in subsequent samples.

Validity

The degree to which an experiment accurately reflects or assesses the specific concept being tested.

Operational definitions

Clear, measurable definitions of concepts to ensure accuracy in research.

Informed consent

Information provided to participants that allows them to make an informed choice about participation.

Mode, Mean, and Median.

Measures of central tendency.

Histogram

A bar graph depicting a frequency distribution of data.

Skewed data

A representation of scores that lacks symmetry around their average value.

Mean

Which measure of central tendency is most influenced by skewed data or extreme scores in a distribution.

Inferential statistics

Determines whether data can be generalized to other populations.

Representative samples

Representative samples are better than biased (unrepresentative) samples. The best basis for generalizing is from a representative sample of cases, not from the exceptional and memorable cases one finds at the extremes.

Effect size

The strength of the relationship between two variables. The larger the effect size, the more one variable can be explained by the other.

Quantitative research

Use numerical data to represent degrees of a variable (e.g., Likert scale, where questionnaire responses fall on a continuum).

Qualitative research

Rely on in-depth, narrative data (e.g., naturalistic observation).

Validity

The key goal in an experiment, taking into account steps to ensure accurate results.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Random assignment

Works to minimize preexisting differences between groups before treatment effects occur, reducing confounding.

Illusory Correlation

Perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship (e.g., gamblers remembering past lucky rolls).

Curiosity

Asking questions and exploring new ideas.

Skepticism

Challenging assumptions and evidence.

Humility

Accepting when we’re wrong and updating beliefs.