Psych Terms - Hard

Sampling bias

happens when some members of an intended population have a higher or lower chance of being chosen than others, making the sample unrepresentative

Random allocations

a research method that uses chance to place participants into different study groups, such as a treatment group or a control group

operationalisation

is the process of turning an abstract, theoretical concept into clear, measurable variables or repeatable daily workflows

stratified sampling

isa probability method where a population is split into non-overlapping groups (strata) before a random sample is chosen from each group

conformation bias

isthe tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and remember information that matches your existing beliefs while ignoring or dismissing facts that challenge them

Ecological validity

isthe extent to which the findings of a research study can be generalized and applied to real-world settings, everyday behaviors, and natural conditions

Conformation bias

broad cognitive error where anyone favors details that match their prior views while ignoring opposing facts.

Researcher bias

wider category of systematic errors made by investigators during a study. It includes confirmation bias, but it also covers other procedural flaws like selection bias, measurement errors, and data-reporting skew.

Construct validity

how well a test or measurement tool actually measures the abstract, unobservable concept—or construct—it claims to evaluate

Content validity

measures how well a test or measurement tool covers all parts of the subject or concept it tries to measure

Complexity

shifting from reductionist, linear tools to holistic frameworks that account for non-linear interactions, emergence, and self-organization in dynamic systems