PSY 232 Exam 1 Review Sheet Fall 2026

Vocabulary flashcards covering research methods, measurement levels, scientific characteristics, and research ethics for PSY 232 Exam 1.

Method of Experience

A source of belief based on personal experiences and observations, which carries associated flaws.

Method of Intuition

A source of belief based on gut feeling, instinct, or unquestioned personal impressions, along with its associated flaws.

Method of Authority

A source of belief derived from an authority figure or trusted source, which possesses inherent flaws.

Empirical Method

A source of belief and core characteristic of science that relies on direct observation and systematic data collection.

Characteristics of Science

Core principles defining scientific inquiry, identified as empirical, public, objective, and structured around the cycle of science (scientific method).

Project ADAM (Legos)

An activity or example related to the cycle of science and the scientific method.

Archival Research

A research method that utilizes existing research, documents, or pre-collected records to answer research questions.

Content Analysis

A research design categorized under using existing research to systematically evaluate text, media, or other recorded communication.

Meta-Analysis

A quantitative research method under existing research that combines and synthesizes results from multiple independent studies.

Descriptive Research

Research designs aimed at depicting behaviors or phenomena, including case studies, experience sampling (Ecological Momentary Assessment), certain observational studies, and certain surveys.

Experience Sampling (Ecological Momentary Assessment)

A descriptive research approach where participants repeatedly report on their symptoms, thoughts, or behaviors in real time within their natural environment.

Correlational Research

A research approach that measures multiple variables without manipulation to identify relationships between them, including certain types of surveys.

Independent Variable

The variable in an experimental research design that is manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The variable in experimental research that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Quasi-Experiments

Research designs that resemble true experiments but lack full experimental control, such as random assignment.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable and refutable prediction derived from a theory.

Construct

An abstract psychological concept or variable that requires an operational definition to be measured.

Operational Definitions

The specific, explicit procedures and metrics used to define and measure an abstract construct.

Levels of Measurement

The four measurement scales: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.

Observational Methods of Measurement

The specific metrics used to record observational data: frequency (count), duration (length of time), and yes/no (presence or absence).

Types of Observations

Categorical observational approaches, identified as naturalistic, participant, and intervention.

Physiological Measures

Biological assessments used in data collection, including fMRI, eye tracking, mouse tracking, and stress measures (heart rate, blood pressure, galvanic skin test, hormones).

The Belmont Report

A foundational ethical report articulating key principles for human subjects research, including Respect for Persons, Beneficence/Nonmaleficence, and Justice.

Respect for Persons

An ethical principle from the Belmont Report centered on individual autonomy and the requirement of informed consent.

Nonmaleficence and Beneficence

Ethical principles requiring researchers to do no harm, maximize benefits, establish trust, protect confidentiality and anonymity, and manage deception and debriefing.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

An oversight committee responsible for reviewing research protocols and consent forms to ensure participant safety and ethical compliance.