PSYC 1060: Introduction to Psychology and the Scientific Method

Vocabulary flashcards created from Chapter 1 notes of PSYC 1060, covering research principles, psychological goals, evidence-based practice, and signs of pseudoscience.

Scientific Method

A systematic process of conducting research through inquiry and analysis by formulating research questions or hypotheses, gathering evidence, drawing conclusions, modifying theories, and developing new research questions.

Replicable Results

Findings and conclusions of a study that provide enough detailed information about the research process so that other researchers can repeat the procedure and obtain consistent outcomes.

Describe (Goal of Psychology)

The core objective of psychology focused on observing and documenting behavior or mental processes as they occur.

Explain (Goal of Psychology)

The core objective of psychology focused on understanding the underlying reasons why a particular behavior or mental process occurs.

Predict (Goal of Psychology)

The core objective of psychology aimed at anticipating when, what, and why a psychological phenomenon will occur.

Control (Goal of Psychology)

The core objective of psychology focused on identifying present conditions and external causes to influence or manage predicted behavior.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

A clinical practice approach rooted in the scientific method that integrates best available research, clinical expertise, and client values.

Best Available Research

The leg of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) that uses high-quality scientific research to determine which therapies are effective.

Clinical Judgment

The leg of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) that relies on the therapist's professional training, experience, and decision-making skills.

Client Values and Preferences

The leg of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) that honors the unique goals, culture, values, and preferences of the client.

Critical Thinking

A tool and skill involving analyzing arguments, asking why, challenging assumptions, and relying on rational information rather than taking claims for granted.

Pseudoscience

A set of claims or practices presented as scientific but lacking scientific grounding, often characterized by warning signs like unfalsifiability and lack of peer review.

Psychobabble

Language that uses scientific-sounding terms to sound authoritative while lacking genuine scientific meaning or substance.

Anecdotal Evidence

Evidence based on personal stories, individual testimonials, or isolated examples rather than controlled scientific study.

Falsifiability

The property of a scientific claim indicating that there is a potential observation or test that could prove the claim wrong.

Unfalsifiable Claim

A statement or claim that cannot be tested or proven false because it lacks clear standards or measurable criteria.

Proctorio

The software program used in PSYC 1060 to proctor online, closed-book examinations.

Schmaltz and Lilienfeld (2014)

Authors of the article "Hauntings, homeopathy, and the Hopkinsville goblins: Using pseudoscience to teach scientific thinking," which covers warning signs of pseudoscience.

Meichenbaum and Lilienfeld (2018)

Authors of the publication "How to spot hype in the field of psychotherapy: A 19-Item checklist."