Module 0.1-0.6 Research and Perspectives Vocabulary Flashcards

22 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Module 0.1-0.6, with definitions and concise explanations.

Critical Thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of information to form reasoned judgments. Example: evaluating sources before accepting a claim.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to see events as having been predictable after they have already occurred.

Confirmation bias

The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms preconceptions while discounting contradicting evidence.

Overconfidence

Being more confident in one's judgments or knowledge than warranted by the evidence.

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation that integrates a body of observations and predicts phenomena. Often generates testable predictions.

Hypothesis

A testable educated guess about the relationship between variables.

Falsifiable

Capable of being proven false through empirical testing; a key criterion for scientific hypotheses.

Operational Definitions

Precise, measurable definitions of variables that specify how to observe or manipulate them.

Replication

Repeating a study or experiment to determine if results are consistent across trials or samples.

Experimental research

Research that involves manipulating an independent variable to observe effects on a dependent variable under controlled conditions.

Non-experimental research

Research that observes variables without manipulation, including descriptive and correlational studies.

Case Study

In-depth examination of a single case to explore underlying principles.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in a natural setting without interference.

Survey

A method of collecting data from a sample by asking questions about attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors.

Social desirability

The tendency to provide responses that will be viewed favorably by others.

Self-report Bias

Bias that occurs when participants misreport their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

Sampling Bias

A systematic error in sampling that results in a non-representative sample.

Sample

A subset of individuals from a population used to study a phenomenon.

Population

The entire group about which researchers want to draw conclusions.

Representative sample

A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population.

Correlation

A statistical measure of the extent to which two variables vary together; correlation does not imply causation.

Correlational Coefficient

A numerical value (usually r) that indicates the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables.