Overview of the Scientific Method

Flashcards covering key concepts from an overview of the scientific method in psychology, including definitions and explanations of terms related to research methodology.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge through the observation and experimentation.

Operational Definition

A statement that describes a variable in terms of how it is measured or manipulated in a study.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured and affected in an experiment as a result of changes in the independent variable.

Confound

An extraneous variable that correlates with both the independent and dependent variable, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistical methods that summarize and describe the features of a dataset, including measures of central tendency and variability.

Inferential Statistics

Statistical methods used to draw conclusions from a sample about a population, allowing for generalizations and hypothesis testing.

Type I Error

The error made when a researcher incorrectly concludes that there is a statistically significant effect when there is none.

Type II Error

The error made when a researcher fails to detect an effect that is present in the population.

Peer Review

A process by which a manuscript or research proposal is evaluated by experts in the field before publication or funding.

Empirical Study

Research based on observed and measured phenomena, derived from systematic observation and experimentation.

Theoretical Article

An article that summarizes and organizes previously published research and presents new theories or models.

Research Literature

The body of work that comprises published studies and findings in a specific field, which forms the basis for new research questions.