DP Psychology: Key Concepts, Research Evaluation, and Social Learning Theory

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering key psychological evaluation concepts, Social Learning Theory, data types, research perspectives, and ethical responsibilities.

Construct validity

How well variables in a study are defined and whether the way they are measured is a valid approach.

Ecological validity

The degree to which the results of a study can be generalized to real-life settings, which is highest under naturalistic conditions.

Internal validity

The extent to which a study establishes a trustworthy cause-and-effect relationship between a treatment and an outcome.

Population validity

The degree to which study results obtained from a sample can be generalized to a larger target group of interest.

External validity

The overall generalizability of research findings, calculated as: $\text{Population validity} + \text{ecological validity} = \text{external validity}$.

Temporal validity

The extent to which older psychological theories and research findings remain relevant over time.

Social Learning Theory

A theory assuming that humans learn by observing models, imitating behavior, and evaluating the rewards or punishments the models receive.

Vicarious reinforcement

The process by which an observer decides to imitate a model's behavior after observing that behavior being rewarded.

Vicarious punishment

The process by which an observer avoids imitating a behavior after seeing a model receive negative consequences for that behavior.

Attention (Social Learning Theory)

A cognitive factor in which a learner focuses on a model, influenced by the model's attractiveness, authority, or desirability.

Retention (Social Learning Theory)

A cognitive factor requiring the observer to remember an observed behavior in order to reproduce it immediately or after some time.

Potential (Social Learning Theory)

The physical and mental capability of an observer to successfully reproduce an observed behavior.

Outcome expectancies

Bandura's term for a learner's understanding of the potential consequences or results of repeating an observed behavior.

Self-efficacy

An individual's belief in their ability to successfully accomplish a task or master challenging problems.

Mirror neurons

Brain mechanisms that provide biological support for Social Learning Theory by playing an important role in observational learning.

Anecdotal data

Subjective information based on personal stories, individual experiences, or isolated observations used primarily to generate hypotheses.

Empirical data

Information gathered through systematic observation or experimentation that provides the foundation for testing hypotheses and building theories.

Operationalizing

The process of defining psychological constructs in measurable, concrete terms.

Quantitative measurement

The collection and statistical analysis of numerical data to test hypotheses and identify patterns in behavior and cognition.

Qualitative measurement

The collection and analysis of non-numerical, rich descriptive data aimed at understanding individuals' subjective experiences.

Reflexivity

A practice where researchers critically reflect upon and document how their personal biases, perspectives, and presence influence the research process.

Overconfidence bias

A cognitive tendency where participants overestimate their abilities or assume their behavior is better than average.

Social desirability bias

The tendency of participants to answer questions in a manner that presents them in a favorable light rather than stating the truth.

Triangulation

The practice of using multiple datasets, methods, theories, or researchers to address a research question and improve credibility.

Method triangulation

Using multiple research techniques or methods to investigate the same psychological phenomenon.

Data triangulation

Gathering data from multiple sources, such as different time periods, locations, or populations, to check for consistency.

Researcher triangulation

Involving multiple independent investigators to analyze data and compare interpretations to reduce individual researcher bias.

Interpretivism

An inductive philosophical approach that uses qualitative methods to holistically understand human behavior from the subjective perspective of individuals.

Positivism

A deductive approach that applies the scientific method, objective measurement, and quantitative data to establish general laws of human behavior.

Socially sensitive research

Studies identified by Sieber and Stanley (1988) with potential consequences or implications for participants or the class of individuals represented.

Cultural competence

The ability of psychologists to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across different cultures.

Duty of care

The legal and moral obligation of psychologists to provide quality care by assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients with scientifically supported methods.

Client autonomy

The ethical standard requiring psychologists to refrain from imposing personal values or inappropriately influencing a client's decision-making.