Thinking like a Psychological Scientist (nobaproject.com)

What is scientific thinking?

Using evidence, logic, and systematic methods to understand behavior and mental processes.

What is confirmation bias?

The tendency to look for information that supports what we already believe and ignore what contradicts it.

What does it mean for a claim to be falsifiable?

It can be tested and potentially proven wrong.

What is a scientific theory?

A well‑supported explanation that organizes and predicts behavior or events.

What is a hypothesis?

A specific, testable prediction derived from a theory.

What is an operational definition?

A clear description of how a variable is measured or manipulated in a study.

What is a variable?

Anything that can vary or change and be measured in research.

What is an independent variable?

The factor the researcher manipulates to see its effect.

What is a dependent variable?

The outcome that is measured to see the effect of the manipulation.

What does correlation mean?

A relationship between two variables, but not proof of cause and effect.

Why can’t correlation prove causation?

Because two things can be related without one causing the other.

What is random assignment?

Randomly placing participants into groups to ensure groups are similar before the experiment.

What is peer review?

When other experts evaluate a study before it is published to ensure quality and accuracy.

What is replication?

Repeating a study to see if the results are consistent.

What is scientific literacy?

The ability to understand, evaluate, and apply scientific information.

What is pseudoscience?

Claims that sound scientific but lack evidence, testing, or falsifiability.

What are heuristics?

Mental shortcuts that help us make quick decisions but can lead to errors.

What is the bias blind spot?

The belief that we are less biased than other people.

What are the key parts of the scientific attitude?

Curiosity, skepticism, and humility.

Why is psychological science important?

It helps us avoid biases, make better decisions, and understand behavior accurately.