U0, L1: The Fundamentals of Psychological Research

Psychology

Scientific study of mental processes (“thinking” parts of the brain") & behavior (what we do & how we act).

Confirmation Bias

When people tend to look for, interpret, or remember info in a way that confirms their beliefs. Seek validation for what they think & select info that proves them correct.

Hindsight Bias (“I knew–it–all–along” phenomenon)

When people believe that they knew something was going to happen after it had already occurred, even if they didn’t predict it beforehand.

Overconfidence

When people have too much faith in their own judgment/abilities. (think they know more than they actually do).

Empirical Evidence

Info obtained through observation, experimentation, or measurement. Prevents cognitive bias by giving data that can counteract our biased judgements/decisions. 

Scientific Method

Systematic approach used to study psychology

Scientific Method Steps

Observations/Research Question

Formulate Hypothesis

Design Experiment

Collect Data

Analyze Data

Draw Conclusions 

Communicate Results

Hypothesis

A specific testable prediction/educated guess (based on existing theories, observations, or previous research findings)

Falsifiable (Hypothesis)

A statement that can be tested & potentially proven false through observation/ experimentation. Formulated in a way that allows for possibility of evidence to contradict/refute them.

Peer Review

Process where research articles & studies are evaluated by experts in the field before they are published in academic journals. Experts/peers assess quality, validity, & significance of research.

Replication

Process of repeating/reproducing a research study to determine if its findings can be consistently observed. Involves conducting the same experiment study w/ new participants, under similar conditions, & using the same/similar procedures as original study. 

Reliability

If a measure/test produces consistent results when administered repeatedly under similar conditions. (RRR = Repeated, Reliable Results)

Validity

Refers to the extent to which a research study/measurement tool accurately measures what it intends to measure. Valid if measure/test effectively assesses the construct/concept it is designed to measure. (VET = “Valid Evidence, True”)

American Psychological Association (APA)

Leading processional org. dedicated to advancing the field of psychology & promoting the application of psychological knowledge to improve human welfare.