Psych

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Empirical Evidence

Information gathered from experience or observation.

Research Methods

Six main methods in AICE psychology:experiments, self-reports, case studies, observations, correlations, and longitudinal designs.

Quantitative Data

Numerical information or simple text that can be converted to numbers.

Qualitative Data

Rich data expressed through long blocks of text, such as interviews or field notes.

Mixed Methods

Research that uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Aim

The researcher’s intention or what they plan to do in a study.

Hypothesis

An experimental prediction that is tested in research.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome variable that is measured.

Null Hypothesis

A statement predicting that the IV will have no effect on the DV.

Population

The entire group that a researcher wishes to study.

Sample

A small group of participants gathered from the total population.

Random Sampling

A method where every member of a population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Opportunity Sampling

Participants are chosen based on convenience.

Volunteer Sampling

Participants choose to take part in the study.

True Experiment

An experiment conducted in a lab with control over confounding variables.

Field Experiment

An experiment conducted in a real-world setting.

Quasi-Experiment

An experiment involving an IV that cannot be manipulated.

Independent Samples

Separate groups that each receive a different level of the IV.

Matched Pairs

Groups that are deliberately made equal in a key trait.

Repeated Measures

The same group receives each level of the IV.

Reliability

The consistency of psychological research.

Validity

The ability of research to measure what it is supposed to measure.

Internal Validity

How well the environment is controlled to prevent confounds.

External Validity

The extent to which data can be generalized outside the study.

Ecological Validity

The transferability of data to real-life situations.

Population Validity

The generalizability of results to other groups.

Participant Variables

Traits of individuals in the study that can affect results.

Situational Variables

Environmental factors that can affect the study.

Counterbalancing

A method used in repeated measures to control for order effects.

Placebo Effect

A change in behavior due to the belief that treatment will have an effect.

Double-Blind Experiment

A study design where both subjects and researchers are unaware of group assignments.

Self-Report

A method of gathering information by asking participants a fixed set of questions.

Survey/Questionnaire

A tool for collecting data from a large sample quickly.

Open Questions

Questions that allow for detailed responses.

Closed Questions

Questions with limited response options.

Structured Interview

An interview where the interviewer sticks to planned questions.

Semi-Structured Interview

An interview with planned questions but allows for additional questions.

Unstructured Interview

An interview without planned questions, guided by the participant.

Ethical Standards

Guidelines for responsible behavior in psychological research.

Informed Consent

Participants must be briefed on the study and choose whether to proceed.

Deception

The use of trickery in research, which should be minimized.

Debriefing

Revealing the true nature of the study after completion.

Right to Withdraw

Participants can stop participating or remove their data at any time.

Confidentiality

Ensuring that subjects remain anonymous.

Animal Ethics

Guidelines to minimize harm and maximize benefit in animal research.

Replacement

Avoiding the use of animals when possible.

Species

Avoiding the treatment of one species as superior to another in research.

Numbers

Using low sample sizes in animal research to minimize harm.