Introduction to Psychology and the Scientific Method

A comprehensive collection of flashcards covering key concepts from the field of psychology and the scientific method.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior, thoughts, and experiences.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for observing, testing, and developing theories about phenomena.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the world or some phenomena.

Falsifiability

The principle that for a hypothesis to be scientific, it must be able to be proven false.

Observation

The act of watching or monitoring behaviors and experiences to collect data.

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that incorporates many hypotheses.

Clinical Psychology

A subdiscipline of psychology focused on diagnosing and treating mental health issues.

Behavior

The actions of humans and animals; what psychologists study.

Experiments

Controlled studies conducted to test hypotheses within the scientific method.

Pop Culture References in Psychology

Common perceptions and portrayals of psychology often influenced by media.

Mind Reading

The misconception that psychologists can read thoughts; psychology studies behavior instead.

Swans

Used as an example in hypothesis testing; observation can prove the hypothesis wrong.

Doctor Phil

A popular figure often misconstrued as a legitimate psychologist.

Scientific Knowledge

Knowledge derived from repeated testing and evidence collection.

Randomness

The concept that chance plays a role in experimental outcomes.

Testable Prediction

A statement that can be confirmed or disproven through experimentation.

Theories of Evolution

Scientific theories explaining biological diversity and species adaptation.

Observational Data

Information collected through observation used to support hypotheses.

General Relativity

An example of a scientific theory that explains gravitational phenomena.

Immortality Hypothesis

An example of an untestable hypothesis as it proposes finding a living immortal.

Scientific Community

A group of scientists who critically evaluate evidence and theories.

Evidence-Based Psychology

Psychology that relies on empirical evidence and scientific research.

Cognitive Bias

A systematic error in thinking that affects judgment and decision making.

Empirical Research

Research based on observed and measured phenomena.

Behavioral Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on observable behaviors.

Clinical Trials

Experiments conducted to test the effectiveness of psychological treatments.

Ancient Greek Philosophers

Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle who influenced early thoughts about psychology.

Random Sampling

A method to ensure a representative group is selected for an experiment.

Psychological Disorders

Conditions such as anxiety and depression studied within psychology.

Domain of Psychology

Includes various fields such as social, clinical, and cognitive psychology.

Psychometrics

The field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how people change throughout their life span.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

The application of psychological principles to the workplace.

Physiological Psychology

The study of the relationship between biology and psychological processes.

Social Psychology

The study of how individuals influence and are influenced by others.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of mental processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making.

Behavioral Genetics

The study of the role genetics play in behavior.

Psychodynamics

A psychological approach focusing on unconscious processes.

Field Studies

Research conducted in natural settings as opposed to a laboratory.

Case Studies

In-depth analyses of individuals or groups to gather extensive data.

Observational Research

Research that involves observing subjects in their natural environment.

Statistical Significance

A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.

Conceptual Variable

An abstract idea such as intelligence or happiness.

Operational Definition

A clear, concise detailed definition of a measure.

Meta-Analysis

A method that combines results from multiple studies to arrive at a conclusion.

Replication

The process of repeating research to determine its reliability.

Qualitative Research

Research that provides insights and understanding of the problem.

Quantitative Research

Research that deals with measurable data to quantify the problem.

Longitudinal Studies

Research studies that involve repeated observations of the same variables over long periods.

Short-term Memory

The capacity for holding a small amount of information in an active, readily available state.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships.

Motivation

A driving force that spurs individuals to act towards their goals.

Schema

A cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information.

Neuroscience

The study of the nervous system, including the brain's structure and function.

Social Cognition

The processes by which people think about and make sense of others and themselves.

Self-Perception Theory

The theory that individuals determine their attitudes and beliefs by observing their own behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A type of psychotherapy that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Behavior Modification

The use of operant conditioning to change behavior.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to identify, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others.

Critical Period

A specific time during development when a particular skill is most easily learned.

Attachment Styles

Patterns of attachment behavior in relationships based on early experiences with caregivers.

Motivational Interviewing

A counseling approach that helps clients to resolve ambivalence about change.

Psychotherapy

The treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means.

Side Effects

Unintended consequences of a treatment, often important in psychology.

Substance Dependence

A condition resulting from repeated use of a substance, leading to physical and psychological dependence.

Cultural Psychology

The study of how culture influences mental processes.

Developmental Milestones

Key skills or behaviors that most children can do by a certain age.

Resilience

The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

Life Span Development

The study of how and why people change as they age.

Enduring Attitudes

Stable and consistent beliefs about oneself and others.

Socioeconomic Status

An individual's economic and social position in relation to others.

Community Psychology

A field focused on social issues, social institutions, and other contexts that influence individuals.

Holistic Approach

An approach that considers the whole person and their environment.

Process of Imprinting

A critical period when young animals form attachments to their caregivers.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and can affect behavior.

Clinical Assessment

A systematic evaluation of an individual’s psychological and emotional functioning.

Intervention Strategies

Various methods used to change behavior and improve functioning.

Crisis Intervention

Immediate, short-term help given to individuals experiencing a crisis.

Coping Mechanisms

Strategies used to manage stress and difficult emotions.

Support Groups

Preferred gatherings of individuals who share a common experience or issue.

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

A theory that combines cognitive and behavioral principles in understanding mental illness.

Extinction in Conditioning

The diminishing of a conditioned response when reinforcers are no longer present.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that behavior is learned through observation and imitation of others.

Peer Pressure

Social influence from peers that can affect an individual's behavior.

Evidence-Based Practice

A decision-making process that integrates the best available research with clinical expertise.

Acculturation

The process of cultural change and psychological change that results following interaction between cultures.

Persuasion Techniques

Methods used to change a person's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.

Impulse Control

The ability to resist the urge to act on an impulse.

Mindfulness

The psychological process of bringing one’s attention to the present moment.

Coping Skills

Techniques that help individuals manage stress and respond to challenging situations.

Crisis Management

The strategies that organizations use to respond to events that threaten to harm an organization or its stakeholders.

Behavioral Assessment

The evaluation of the frequency and severity of behavior in relation to the environment.

Community Resources

Support services available locally to assist individuals and families.

Psychological Testing

Standardized assessment instrument designed to measure an individual's mental functions.

Quality of Life

The standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual.

Social Support Systems

Networks of people who provide emotional, instrumental, and informational assistance.

Longitudinal Research Studies

Research studies that collect data from the same subjects repeatedly over a period of time.

Motivation Theories

Various approaches to understanding what drives individuals to act.