Chap 1 - SCIENTIFIC THINKING IN PSYCHOLOGY

Authority

Accepting information from a source judged to be an expert.

Logic and Reason

The process of creating conclusions based on premises; valid conclusions depend on the accuracy of the premises.

Experience/Empiricism

Acquiring knowledge through direct experience or observation; however, it is limited and subject to biases.

Belief Perseverance

The tendency to hold onto a belief despite contrary information.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to only see information that confirms one's existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.

Availability Heuristic

Overestimating the likelihood of uncommon events based on their memorability or recent media coverage.

Statistical Determinism

The belief that all events have causes; events can be predicted but only with probabilities greater than chance.

Systematic Observations

Methodical gathering of data to support scientific conclusions.

Objectivity

The ability to verify observations through multiple observers, achieved through operationalizing terms and procedures.

Introspection

A subjective method where subjects report their conscious experiences; it poses verification problems.

Data-Driven

Drawing conclusions based on systematically gathered objective information.

Empirical Questions

Questions that can be answered through the scientific method, allowing for specific predictions.

Pseudoscience

Claims about behavior lacking scientific backing, often relying on anecdotal evidence.

Science Produces Tentative Conclusions

Science is self-correcting, with findings subject to change based on future research.