Basic Psych Vocab

Characteristics of a Theory

• based on hypothesis, backed by evidence, testable, based on a series of assumptions or principles that define a way of thinking or behaviour (IB calls this an approach)

Biological Theories

Based on the assumption that human behaviour has its roots in physiological processes

Cognitive theories

Based on the assumption that the way we perceive and think about the world and ourselves affects our behaviour.

Sociocultural theories

Based on the assumption that our behaviour is influenced by the people around us and our environment

Psychological theories

In psychology, theories are used to provide a model for understanding human thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.

What are two key components of a psychological theory?

It must describe a behaviour and It must make predictions about future behaviour.

Critical Thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement

TEACUP

Testable, Empirical Evidence, Application, Clearly Defined Variables, Unbiased, Predictability

Testable

A good theory has to be falsifiable, if it cannot be tested, it is not a good theory

Empirical Evidence

A good theory has evidence to support it; Good empirical support is reliable

Application

A good theory can be applied to many different situations or it improves a very specific behaviour

Clearly Defined Variables

A good theory makes sure that its variables are clearly defined so that they can be reliably measured

Unbiased

A good theory does not show bias toward a gender or culture

Predicts Behaviour

A good theory does not just describe what is happening, it predicts behaviour

Androcentric

Research was done on and applied only to men

Ethnocentric

Research was very culturally biased, focused only on Western Culture

Falsifiability

To be able to be proved to be false

Reliability (in experiment)

The extent to which an experiment produces similar result when replicated

Reliability (in observation)

The extent to which human see similar behaviour

Validity

The extent to which a study's results are accurately reflected in what the research is measuring

Internal Validity

This refers to the extent to which the results are accurate.

External Validity

This refers to the extent to which the study's results can be applied to the target population

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured by the researcher; it is assumed that this variable changes as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable.

Controlled Variables

Variables that are kept constant in order avoid influencing the relationship between the IV and the DV

Standardized procedure

The idea that directions given to participants during an experiment are exactly the same; this is the most basic form of "control" for a study

Random allocation to conditions

In a true experiment, participants are randomly allocated to conditions in order to avoid sampling bias

True Experiment

A study where participants are assigned to two or more experimentally manipulated treatment conditions or to a treatment group and a control group; An IV is manipulated and a DV measured under controlled conditions; High internal validity

Field Experiments

A true experiment conducted in a natural setting

Quasi Experiment

An experimental design in which assignment of participants to an experimental group or to a control group cannot be made at random for either practical or ethical reasons; No IV is manipulated because participants are not randomly allocated to conditions

Natural Experiment

The study of a naturally occurring situation as it unfolds in the real world; the researcher does not exert any influence over the situation but rather simply observes individuals and circumstances

Priming

Activating particular representations or associations in memory just before carrying out an action or task

Expectancy Effect

The effect of on person's expectation about the behaviour of another person on the actual behaviour of that other person

Reactivity

The condition in which a participant being observed is changed in some way by the act of observation. Reactivity is seen as a threat to internal validity in experiments because the change in behaviour is not due to experimental manipulation.

negative participant role

The subject tries to find out what the researcher's hypothesis is and tries to "ruin" the experiment.

Social Desirability Effect

The extent to which someone or something is admired or considered valuable within a social group. The bias or tendency of individuals to present themselves in a favourable manner.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to gather evidence that confirms preexisting expectations, typically by emphasizing or pursuing supporting evidence while dismissing or failing to seek contradictory bias.

Publication Bias

The tendency for study results that are published in journals or other outlets to differ from study results that are not published

order effects

differences in research participants' responses that result from the order

Fatigue effect

A decline in performance on a prolonged or demanding research task that is generally attributed to the participant becoming tired or bored with the task.

Interference Effect

The blocking of learning or of memory retrieval by the learning or remembering of other conflicting material.

Practice effect

Any change or improvement that results from practice or repetition of task items or activities.

Demand Characteristics

Participants form and interpretation of the experiment's purpose and subconsciously change their behaviour to fit that interpretation.

Researcher Biases

When the beliefs or opinions of the researcher influence the outcomes or conclusions of the research.

Construct Validity

The degree to which a test or instrument is capable of measuring a concept, trait, or other theoretical entity.

Ecological Validity

The degree to which results obtained from research or experimentation are representative of conditions in the wider world

Confounding variables

An independent variable that is conceptually distinct but empirically inseparable from one or more other independent variables.

External Validity

The extent to which the results of research or testing can be generalized beyond the sample that generated them

Bidirectional Ambiguity

It is when you are unsure if 2 variables in the correlation studies are influencing the other, making it difficult to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the variables.

Ethics

The branch of philosophy that investigates both the content of moral judgements and their nature.

Sampling Bias

Occurs when the sample is not representative of the target population

Selection Bias

A systematic and directional error involved in the choice of units, cases, or participants from a larger group for study.

Data Triangulation

The use of multiple methods or data sources in qualitative research to develop a comprehensive understanding of phenomena.

Method Triangulation

Different methods are used to research the same phenomena

Research Triangulation

The use of other researchers who would bring different perspectives and experience that might challenge the findings of the lead researchers.

Theory Triangulation

The search for evidence or approaches that could contradict their interpretation is conducted through a different theoretical lens.