Unit 0 Foundation

Psychodynamic perspective

This perspective focuses on the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences.

Behavioral perspective

This perspective believes that psychology should be an objective science that focuses on studying observable behaviors without referencing the mental processes.

Sociocultural perspective

This perspective focuses on a persons experiences and influences in their life to better understand how culture shapes an individual.

Humanistic perspective

This perspective emphasizes our potential a humans to grow as inidividuals. Involves maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Cognitive perspective

Focuses on how we as individuals interpret, process, and remember information. Essentially focuses on our inner thoughts and how this influences their behavior.

Biological perspective

This perspective seeks to understand the links between our biological and psychological processes.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

This perspective focuses on the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding behavior and mental processes.

Evolutionary perspective

This perspective looks at how natural selection and adaptation influence behavior

Cultural norms

Shared rules and guidelines within a community that dictate appropriate and acceptable behaviors in society.

Confirmation bias

The tendency to seek out information that aligns with our point of view, while at the same time dismissing information that challenges our beliefs.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to think that one could have anticipated the outcome of an event or experiment AFTER it has already occurred. “I knew that would happen.”

Overconfidence bias

The tendency to overestimate ones knowledge, the likelihood of being correct, or abilities to perform certain tasks.

Experimental methodology

A systematic approach that is designed to be carried out under controlled conditions, with the goal being to test a hypothesis and establish a causal relationship between independent and dependent variable.

Non experimental methodologies

Used in research where a controlled experiment is not possible or ethical. Just describe behavior, not explain it. For example: Case studies, correlational studies, meta analysis, and naturalistic observations.

Case study

Examines an individual, group of people, event, or situation to provide detailed information and insight into the topic. Very specific and detailed.

Hawthorne effect

When the subject of a study alters their behavior due to them being aware that they are being observed.

Correlational studies

allows the researcher gain insight into the relationship between 2 variables and can help determine the strength of the relationship between the variables.

Meta analysis

A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies on the same topic to reach a conclusion.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction about the relationship between 2 or more variables.

Theory

Supported by data from research that has been completed and explains a question, thought, or a phenomena.

Operational definition

Outlines how the variables are measured or manipulated in the study. For example 100 degree Celsius water can be operationally defined if it begins to boil.

Independent variable

What is being manipulated or controlled by the researcher, this is the cause/ what you do.

Dependent variable

The outcome that is measured in the study, this is the effect/ what you get.

Confounding variables

Factors other then the independent variable that could impact the dependent variable. For example: When trying to measure healthy sleep in a student stress, health, and study habits could be a factor involved.

Population

Refers to the entire group that the research is studying.

Sample

The selected group of individuals in a population that are selected to represent the population in the study.

Random sampling

When each individual in a population has an equal chance of participating in the study. Helps increase generalizability.

Sampling bias

When the sample group that is representing the population in the study does not represent the entire population.

Convenience sampling

When individuals are selected to participate in a study based on their availability.

Generalizability

Refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to the larger population.

Experiment group

The group in an experiment that receives the independent variable.

Control group

Individuals who do not receive treatment or intervention during an experiment. They are used as a benchmark to compare to the experiment group.

Placebo

refers to a fake treatment or substance used in research to control for the effects of expectations

Random assignment

When participants are randomly assigned to be part of the control or experimental group.

Random selection

When participants are selected randomly to be part of a study.

Single-Blind procedure

When the participants in the study do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group, which helps prevent the social desirability bias and placebo effect.

Social desirability bias

When participants skew their answers to create a more favorable impression of themselves

Double blind procedure

neither the participants nor the researchers interacting with them know which group participants are assigned to.

Experimenter bias

When researchers expectations preferences, or beliefs influence the outcome of the study.

Qualitative measures

Collect non-numerical data that provide detailed, descriptive insights into participants thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Quantitative measures

Collects numerical data that can be statistically analyzed to identify different relationships, patterns, and differences.

Likert scale

Has participants rate their agreement with statements on a scale, to provide the researcher with quantifiable data on the participants attitudes or opinions.

Informed consent

the process of explaining research or therapeutic procedures to participants so they can make an informed decision about whether to participate

Informed assent

When the participant is not legally able to provide full consent on their own, typically because they are a minor.