Unit 0 Science Practices

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology from Unit 0 Science Practices, focusing on various psychological perspectives, research methods, and ethical guidelines.

Humanist Perspective

Focuses on individual choice, free will, and personal growth.

Key Theorists of Humanism

Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.

Hierarchy of Needs

Proposed by Abraham Maslow, it represents a hierarchy that outlines human physiological, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Core Beliefs of Humanism

Humans inherently strive for self-actualization.

Criticism of Humanistic Theories

Often seen as lacking scientific rigor and more historical than contemporary.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Stresses the influence of the unconscious mind and repressed memories.

Key Concepts of Psychodynamics

Repression, dream analysis, and word association.

Example of Psychodynamic Theory

A person's introversion stemming from unconscious childhood trauma.

Biopsychology (Neuroscience) Perspective

Examines biological processes influencing behavior such as genes and neurotransmitters.

Criticism of Biopsychology

Can oversimplify complex behaviors.

Evolutionary (Darwinian) Perspective

Explains behavior and thoughts through natural selection.

Key Influence in Evolutionary Psychology

Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on observable behaviors and the environmental stimuli that shape them.

Key Concepts of Behavioral Perspective

Conditioning, rewards, and punishments.

Cognitive Perspective

Studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Key Theorist of Cognitive Perspective

Jean Piaget.

Social-Cultural Perspective

Examines how cultural norms and societal influences shape behavior.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to explain behavior.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after an event, that it was predictable.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to favor information that aligns with preexisting beliefs.

Overconfidence

Overestimating the accuracy of one’s knowledge or predictions.

Quantitative Research

Uses numerical measures to collect and analyze data.

Qualitative Research

Focuses on descriptive, non-numerical data to identify patterns and themes.

Hypothesis

A predictive statement about the relationship between two variables.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome measured to see the effect of the independent variable.

Operational Definitions

Specific explanations of how variables are measured.

Validity

Research is valid when it measures what it claims to measure.

Reliability

Research is reliable when it can be replicated with consistent results.

Population

The entire group from which a sample may be drawn.

Sample

A subset of the population that participates in the study.

Random Sampling

Ensures every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.

Experimental Method

Involves manipulating an independent variable to observe changes in a dependent variable.

Control Group

Does not receive the treatment; used for comparison.

Demand Characteristics

Cues about the purpose of the study that might influence participants' behavior.

Single-blind Study

Occurs when only the participants do not know their group assignment.

Experimenter Bias

Researchers unconsciously influence results.

Social Desirability Bias

Participants respond in ways they believe are favorable.

Placebo Effect

Change due to participants' expectations rather than the treatment itself.

Correlational Method

Measures the relationship between two variables without implying causation.

Positive Correlation

Both variables increase together.

Negative Correlation

One variable increases as the other decreases.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.

Case Study

An in-depth study of a single individual or small group.

Descriptive Statistics

Summarizes data sets through measures such as mean, median, and mode.

Skewed Distributions

Distributions where values are not evenly distributed around the mean.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a dataset.

Standard Deviation

Average distance of scores from the mean.

P-Value

The probability that results occurred by chance, considered statistically significant if p < 0.05.

Effect Size

Quantifies the strength of a phenomenon.

Peer Review

A process by which a paper is evaluated for quality by others in the field.

Informed Consent

Participants must be informed about the study and consent to participate.

Debriefing

Researchers explain the study's purpose to participants after its completion.

Ethical Guidelines for Animal Research

Research must have a clear purpose, and animals must be treated humanely.