Unit 0: Research Methods

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe we 'knew it all along' after an outcome has occurred.

Overconfidence

The often observed tendency to overestimate our accuracy or knowledge.

Perceiving Patterns in Random Events

Seeing order in random occurrences, such as the Gambler's Fallacy.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigating problems, formulating hypotheses, designing methods, collecting data, analyzing results, concluding, and reporting findings.

Theory

An explanation that organizes observations and predicts outcomes.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction.

Operational Definitions

Precise definitions that ensure replicability.

Replication

The process of repeating studies to confirm findings.

Placebo Effect

Improvement of symptoms with no actual treatment.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in its natural environment without intervention.

Descriptive Research

Observes and records behavior through methods like case studies and surveys.

Experimental Research

Manipulates variables to identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Correlational Research

Identifies relationships between variables but does not establish causation.

Case Study

A detailed investigation of a single individual, group, or event, often used to explore rare phenomena.

Meta-Analysis

The statistical combination of results from two or more separate studies.

Longitudinal Research

A study conducted over an extended period, tracking the same individuals to observe changes over time.

Cross-Sectional Research

A study comparing different groups at a single point in time.

Social Desirability Bias

The tendency of participants to respond in ways that are socially acceptable rather than truthful.

Correlation Coefficient

A measure of the direction and strength of a relationship between two variables.

Positive Correlation

Both variables increase or decrease together.

Negative Correlation

As one variable increases, the other decreases.

Illusory Correlation

Perceived relationships that do not actually exist.

Independent Variable

The factor that is manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The outcome that is measured in an experiment.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive treatment.

Random Assignment

The method of distributing participants to groups to avoid bias.

Single-Blind Procedure

Only the participants are unaware of the group assignments.

Double-Blind Procedure

Neither the participants nor the researchers know the group assignments.

Effect Size

A measure of the magnitude or strength of a relationship or difference in a study.

Peer Review

Evaluation of research by experts in the field before publication.

Informed Consent

Participants are provided with knowledge to make informed decisions about their participation.

Confidentiality

Protecting participants' privacy by not disclosing personal information.

Statistical Significance

Indicates whether the results of a study are likely due to chance or reflect a true effect.

Mean

The average score in a dataset.

Median

The middle score when all scores are ordered.

Mode

The most frequently occurring score in a dataset.

Standard Deviation

Indicates the consistency of scores around the mean.