Critical Thinking & Scientific Reasoning in Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and research methods in psychology.

Critical Thinking

The ability to carefully and systematically evaluate information, arguments, and evidence before forming a judgment.

Empirical Evidence

Evidence that is based on observation or experiment, rather than theory or personal belief.

Testable Hypothesis

A statement that can be supported or rejected by data or experimentation.

Falsifiability

The principle that a hypothesis must be able to be proven false by evidence.

Experimental Methods

Research methods that involve manipulating one variable to measure its effect on another, enabling cause-and-effect claims.

Correlational Methods

Research methods that examine the relationship between variables without manipulation, allowing for prediction.

Observational Methods

Methods that involve systematic observation of behavior in natural or structured settings, with high ecological validity.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior, utilizing systematic observation and empirical evidence.

Theory

A series of interconnected ideas or concepts that explains what is observed in research and predicts future events.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

Results vs. Findings

Results are the raw outcomes of an analysis, while findings refer to the interpretation of those results within the context of the research question.

Transparency

The practice of sharing sufficient detail in research to allow others to evaluate or reproduce the work.