PSY101: Psychology as Science - Week 1

Comprehensive fill-in-the-blank practice flashcards covering the nature of science, scientific aims and characteristics, psychological science, research ethics, and applications from Week 1.

Specifically, science is defined as the use of __________ in order to acquire knowledge.

systematic observation

The aim of science that addresses the question 'What is happening?' by observing, identifying, and accurately describing behavior is __________.

Description

The aim of science that asks 'Will it happen again?' by estimating when or under what conditions a behavior is likely to occur is __________.

Prediction

The aim of science that focuses on understanding why a behavior occurs and identifying the contributing factors is __________.

Explanation

The aim of science that involves using scientific knowledge to influence or modify behavior in appropriate and ethical ways is __________.

Control

While general observation refers broadly to noticing and gathering information, __________ observation is a planned and organized method of observing and recording behavior according to specific criteria.

systematic

Science is considered __________ because claims are evaluated using measurable evidence and observation rather than unsupported beliefs.

empirical

Science is __________, which means the researcher works actively to prevent personal beliefs from determining the study's results.

objective

Scientists maintain a __________ attitude by questioning their own ideas and evaluating alternative explanations.

critical

Because scientific findings are open to examination, debate, and contribution from the broader community rather than relying on authority, science is said to be __________.

democratic

Science is __________, meaning new scientific knowledge builds upon and expands past findings.

cumulative

A __________ is defined as a logical idea that can be tested through scientific research.

hypothesis

A scientific hypothesis must be __________, meaning that in principle, evidence could exist that would prove it wrong.

falsifiable

A __________ is defined as conclusions drawn from closely related phenomena or multiple observations that integrate and explain broader findings.

theory

Careful examination of the real world in order to gather information about events or behavior is known as __________.

observation

Psychological science is a branch of science dealing with the mental processes and __________ of individuals and groups.

behavior

While physics and chemistry are hundreds of years old, psychology is barely __________ years old.

$$150$$

Most of the major findings in psychological science have occurred only in the last __________ years.

$$60$$

Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are medical doctors who are licensed to prescribe __________ to their patients.

medication

In the Milgram experiment, the participant assigned the role of the 'teacher' (T) was instructed to deliver supposedly painful electric shocks to the '__________' (L).

learner

Because psychological studies involve human research participants, psychologists adhere to a formal set of guidelines known as a __________.

code of ethics

The ethical guideline stating that people should generally know they are in research and understand what will happen during the study is known as __________.

informed consent

The ethical rule stating that information learned about individual participants must not be made public without their consent is called __________.

confidentiality

The ethical principle requiring that researchers not observe people in private spaces such as bedrooms without their knowledge and consent is __________.

privacy

In psychological research ethics, researchers must carefully consider the benefits of a study and weigh them against the potential __________ to participants.

risks

When researchers use deception to hide the true purpose of a study, they are ethically obligated to __________ the participants once the study is finished.

debrief

One core reason to learn about psychology is developing the skill to critically evaluate __________ claims heard or read about in everyday life.

research