Research Methods in Social Psychology Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of research methods in social psychology based on lecture slides.

Science (in Psychology)

A process utilizing the scientific method (forming a hypothesis, collecting data, analyzing results) that is largely based on empirical methods such as observations or measurements.

Empirical Methods

Methods of gathering knowledge based directly on observations or measurements.

Variable

A quality or characteristic that varies between people, over time, or between situations.

Operationalization

The process of translating a variable into something concrete that can be measured or manipulated in research.

Marshmallow Test (Mischel 1960s - 1990s)

A study measuring self-control or delayed gratification at age 4, operationalized by whether a child eats a marshmallow or the amount of time they are able to wait (in seconds).

Kidd et al. (2013) Marshmallow Study

A study examining social situations where children who experienced unreliable interactions with an experimenter waited a mean time of 3 minutes and 2 seconds, while children who experienced reliable interactions held out for 12 minutes and 2 seconds.

Descriptive Research

A type of study aimed at describing a psychological concept or process (a variable) using qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews or observations to gather detailed notes rather than numbers.

Correlational Research

A research design aimed at investigating the relationship between two or more variables that the researcher has no control over, often measured using surveys.

Positive Correlation

A relationship between two variables where as one variable increases, the other variable also increases, such as self-disclosure and relationship satisfaction.

Zero Correlation

A relationship where there is no systematic linear association between two variables, such as hand-eye coordination and relationship satisfaction.

Negative Correlation

A relationship between two variables where as one variable increases, the other variable decreases, such as expressing contempt and relationship satisfaction.

Directionality Problem

A limitation of correlational research where it is uncertain whether variable A causes changes in variable B, or whether variable B causes changes in variable A.

Third Variable Problem

A limitation of correlational research where an unmeasured external variable causes changes in both observed variables simultaneously.

Independent Variable

The specific condition, treatment, or experience that is directly manipulated or altered by the researcher in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The outcome variable in an experiment that is measured after the independent variable has been manipulated.