Psychological Research Methods Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core terms in psychological research methods, including observational concepts, correlational analysis, experimental variables, sampling, and validity.

Psychological science

The study, through research, of the mind, brain, and behavior.

Theory

A scientific explanation or framework used to organize and explain observations.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about what will happen.

Replication

Repeating a study to see if the results can be reproduced.

Self-report methods

Research methods where people provide information about themselves, usually by answering questions or surveys.

Correlational studies

Studies that examine the relationship between two or more variables.

Correlation coefficient ($r$)

A statistical measure that shows how closely two things are related and how well one can predict the other.

Positive correlation

A relationship where two variables move in the same direction.

Negative correlation

A relationship where two variables move in opposite directions.

Strength of correlation

The strength of a correlation ranges from $-1.0$ to $+1.0$.

Directionality problem

The problem of not knowing which variable causes the other when two variables are correlated.

Third-variable problem

The possibility that another variable is responsible for the relationship between two variables.

Correlation does not equal causation

A correlation between two variables does not prove that one variable causes the other.

Independent variable

The variable that is changed or manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Operational definition

A specific way a researcher defines and measures a variable.

Experimental group

The group that receives the experimental treatment or manipulation.

Control group

The baseline group used for comparison in an experiment.

Confounding variables

Outside variables that could affect the results of an experiment.

Population

The entire group that a researcher is interested in studying.

Sample

A smaller group selected from a population for a study.

Biased sample

A sample that does not accurately represent the population.

Convenience sample

A sample chosen because it is easy or convenient to access.

Random sample

A sample selected randomly from the population.

Random assignment

The process of randomly placing participants into different experimental groups.

Selection bias

When the way participants are selected causes the sample to be unrepresentative of the population.

Construct validity

How well a study measures the concept it is supposed to measure.