Psychological Research Study Guide

Psychology

A sociobiological science using controlled techniques and systematic, orderly observation to collect data and answer questions.

Five Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Ask a question
2. Form a hypothesis
3. Collect data
4. Analyze the results
5. Draw conclusions

Theory

A broad, vague idea that is too general to be directly verified.

Hypothesis

A testable form of a theory that makes specific predictions.

Operationalized Hypothesis

A highly specific, concrete translation of a hypothesis into measurable terms.

Archival Research

A research method involving the analysis of pre-existing records or data sets.

Survey Research

A research method focused on collecting self-reported data using questionnaires or interviews.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing subjects in their natural environment without intervention.

Ethnography

Descriptive research where researchers act as participant-observers.

Case Study

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

Correlational Research

Examining relationships between variables without direct manipulation.

Correlation Coefficient

A mathematical score ranging from $-1.0$ to $+1.0$ that represents the strength and direction of an association.

Perfect Positive Correlation

A score of $+1.0$, indicating that variables move in the same direction.

Perfect Negative Correlation

A score of $-1.0$, indicating that variables move in opposite directions.

Zero Correlation

A score of $0$, indicating no predictable association between variables.

Golden Rule of Correlational Research

Correlation does not equal causation; finding an association proves nothing about cause-and-effect.

Experimental Research

A methodology designed specifically to manipulate variables in controlled conditions to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor directly manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor measured to evaluate changes resulting from manipulation.

Random Assignment

Placing subjects into experimental or control groups by chance to eliminate confounding differences between groups.

Experimental Bias

Factors that distort how the independent variable influences the dependent variable.

Experimenter Expectations

Unintentional signals or behaviors by the researcher that influence participant actions.

Participant Expectations

Behavioral alterations by subjects to align with what they believe the study requires.

Hawthorne Effect

The tendency of subjects to increase productivity or performance simply because they know they are being observed.

Age Thresholds for Assent and Parent Consent

Voluntary assent is required for subjects over age $7$, and additional consent from a parent or guardian is required for subjects under age $18$.