Lecture Notes: Descriptive Methods, Observation, Measurement, and Correlation in Psychology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on descriptive methods, observation, measurement, and correlation.

SONA (Study Sign-Up System)

An online platform where students log in with their credentials to sign up for psychology studies and track participation.

Alternative assignments

Options offered to participants under 18 when standard study tasks are restricted by age.

Quiz attempts

Typically two chances to complete a quiz; the first without notes and the second with notes for a perfect score.

Top Hat

An in-class polling system integrated with Canvas used for quick questions and participation grading.

Descriptive methods

Research methods that describe behavior without manipulation, such as observation, case studies, and surveys.

Case study

An in-depth study of a single individual or case, rich in detail but limited in generalizability.

Naturalistic observation

Observing behavior in a real-world setting with minimal interference and obtaining consent when recording humans.

Laboratory observation

Observing behavior in a controlled lab environment, often with a two-way mirror and structured protocols.

Two-way mirror

A one-way observation mirror allowing researchers to observe participants without being seen.

Operational definition

A precise description of how a variable will be measured or manipulated in a study.

Validity

The extent to which a measurement accurately reflects the concept it is intended to measure.

Reliability

The consistency or stability of a measurement across time, items, or observers.

Measurement

The process of quantifying variables using validated, reliable instruments and clearly defined operations.

Standardized tests

Tests administered under uniform conditions with scoring based on normative data (norms).

Norms

Reference scores from large, historical samples used to interpret individual test results (percentiles).

Population

The entire group of interest in a study.

Representative sample

A subset of the population that reflects its characteristics for generalization.

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables; describes whether they move together but does not imply causation.

Correlation coefficient

A number between -1 and 1 describing the strength and direction of a relationship.

Positive correlation

As one variable increases, the other tends to increase (upward-sloping relationship).

Negative correlation

As one variable increases, the other tends to decrease (downward-sloping relationship).

Scatter plot

A graph of data points for two variables with a line of best fit to show the relationship's direction and strength.

Correlation is not causation

A correlation does not prove that one variable causes the other; a third variable may be involved.

Third variable problem

An unmeasured variable that may account for the observed relationship between two variables.

Theory

A broad explanation of why a phenomenon occurs, guiding the development of hypotheses.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction derived from a theory.