AT Psych Unit One

Scientific Investigation Steps

Formulate testable hypothesis

Select research method

Collect data

Analyze data and draw conclusions

Report findings

Independent Variable

The variable that’s changed/manipulated

Dependent Variable

The variable that’s measured

Experimental Group

Receives special treatment with regard to the independent variable

Control Group

Don’t receive any special treatment regarding the IV

Extraneous Variables

Variables other than the IV likely to influence the DV

Confounding of Variables

Two variables linked in a way that makes it difficult to sort out each’s specific effects

Random Assignment of Subjects

Randomly assign subjects to groups (ensure equal chance), making you reasonably confident the groups will be similar in most ways

Experimental Research

Form of research that permits conclusions about cause/effect relationships by isolating the independent variable and manipulating it, but can often be artificial or may not be possible to use to explore some research questions

Negative Correlation

Two variables change together (covary) in the opposite direction

Positive Correlation

Two variables change together (covary) in the same direction

Correlation Coefficient

Puts the correlation into numbers. Ranges from -1.0 to 1.0 (positive = positive correlation, negative = negative correlation). Greater absolute value means the correlation is stronger. A correlation coefficient close to zero means little/no correlation.

Correlation and Causation

Not the same—can have high correlation without causation

Third Variable

Two correlated variables could both be caused by a different third variable rather than causing each other.

Naturalistic Observation

Researcher engages with careful observation of behavior without directly intervening with subjects.

Case Studies

In-depth investigation of an individual subject, but can also be highly subjective.

Surveys

Questionnaires/interviews to gather information about participants. Helpful when obtaining information on aspects of behavior otherwise hard to observe, but the self-reported data can be unreliable.

Meta-Analysis

Combines statistical results of many studies of the same question to estimate size and consistency of the variable’s effects

Sampling Bias

Limited samples that do not accurately represent the population

Placebo Effect

Participants’ expectations lead them to experience some change despite receiving empty, fake, or ineffectual treatment

Social Desirability Bias

Tendency to give socially approved answers to questions about oneself to create a favorable image

Halo Effect

Someone’s overall evaluation of a person, object, or institution spills over to influence more specific ratings about them

Experimenter Bias

When researchers’ expectations or preferences about a study’s outcome influence the results obtained, such as seeing what they want to see or unintentionally influencing subjects’ behavior by sending nonverbal signals.

Double Blind Procedure

Researcher is kept in the dark in addition to the participants. Used to mitigate experimenter bias.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Human behavior is driven by suppressed childhood memories, dark thoughts, etc.

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on observable behaviors—not internal states—and how they’re learned reinforced. The environmental forces’ impacts on actions.

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on how we think, learn, and remember—or mental process in general. Models the human brain as a computer to conceptualize the acquisition, processing, and utilization of information.

Biological Perspective

The physical and biological bases of behavior.

Cross-Cultural/Sociocultural

Looks at human behavior across cultures and how cultures + societies influence thinking and behavior.

Evolutionary Perspective

How evolution theory can explain physiological processes. Applies evolution principles like natural selection to explain behavior; it suggests mental processes exist because they serve evolutionary purposes.

Humanistic Perspective

Focus on the role of motivation in thought and behavior and what drives humans to grow, change, and develop personal potential. They aim to improve the quality of life, happiness, and subjective well-being.

Informed Consent

Study’s participants must voluntarily (without outside pressure) agree to participate with knowledge of the study’s purpose, procedures, and possible risks/benefits.

Right to Withdraw

Participants can leave the study whenever (and withdraw their data) without penalty or loss of promised payment/credit

Protection from Harm

Researchers must minimize possible harm for participants, and they should ideally not face any more risk than in ordinary daily life. Includes safeguarding dignity and providing support in cases of distress.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

Personal data and identifiable material must be stored securely, access-restricted, and anonymized/pseudonymized whenever possible. Limits to confidentiality should be explained prior to the participants agreeing to take part.

Deception and Debriefing

Only use deception when no alternative method exists and when it involves minimal risk. Requires ethics-committee approval. Participants must be fully debriefed after.

Competence and Researcher Responsibility

Researchers must be trained and qualified for the procedures they use, report their findings, and take responsibility for participants’ welfare before, during, and after the study.