Psychology as a Science

Flashcards on Psychology as a Science

Empiricism

The idea that the laws of the universe are discoverable and testable.

Deductive reasoning

Start with a general theory and make your way to specific points.

Inductive reasoning

Start with small pieces of evidence to develop a theory.

Hypothetico-deductive reasoning

Start with a hypothesis, make observations, and determine if the hypothesis is supported, then build a theory.

Psychology

Using the scientific method to study human behavior and mental processes.

Pseudopsychology (pseudoscience)

Commenting on human behavior and mental processes without using the scientific method.

Hypothesis

A prediction that can be tested and is capable of being falsified.

Variable

A condition, event, or situation that is studied.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured and is changed by the independent variable.

Operational definition

How the researcher decides to measure the variables.

Population

The entire group of interest to the researchers.

Sample

A portion of the population that is selected for the study.

Random Selection

Everyone in the population of interest has an equal chance of being selected.

Sampling bias

Selecting a group that is especially likely to confirm your hypothesis.

Descriptive Research

Includes case studies, naturalistic observation and survey research.

Experimental Research

Examines how one variable causes another variable to change.

Experimental Group

The group that is exposed to the independent variable.

Control group

The group that is not exposed to the independent variable.

Random Assignment

Randomly assigning participants to either the experimental or control group.

Double-blind procedure

Neither the participant nor the researcher knows who is in which group.

Statistics

Used to describe and measure relationships between variables.

Correlation coefficient

Indicates the strength and nature of the relationship between variables.

Positive Correlation

As one variable increases, the other variable increases.

Negative Correlation

As one variable increases, the other variable decreases.

Mean

Average of all scores.

Standard Deviation

How much participants' scores vary from one another.

Inferential statistics

Help to draw conclusions about data and determine statistical significance.

P-value

The probability that results of your experiment are due to chance.

Replication

Repeated testing of a hypothesis to ensure results are not due to chance.

Code of Ethics

Guidelines provided by the Canadian Psychological Association for ethical research.

Research Ethics Boards (REBs)

Ethics police that evaluate research to protect the rights of participants.

Informed consent

Obtaining permission from participants after they know what the study involves, and the risks and benefits of participating.

Debriefing

Revealing to participants any information that was withheld during the study.