Scientific Prin. of Psych. Exam 1

What is one of the main characteristics of science?

Through the process of replication, we can see which results hold up over time

and which results don’t

Define a construct

An underlying, hypothetical characteristic that is not directly observable

Define a Variable

An operationally defined way to measure a construct

What is a True IV?

The researcher can control the variable and randomly assign participants to conditions

What is a Subject Variable (Quasi-IV)

Researcher cannot control the variable; participant comes to the study already in a group.

Give an example of Subject Variable (Quasi-IV)

Education level, income level, socioeconomic status, gender

Give an example of a True IV

Water or coffee

Define External Validity

The degree to which results generalize to other people, or other situations

Define Internal Validity

Ability of your research design to adequately test your hypothesis

What is meant by covariation of X and Y in a causal conclusion?

Both X and Y change together at the same time.

What is Temporal order?

One variable started changing before the other

What is Absence of Plausible Alternatives?

Confounding variables

What is a threat to internal validity? (def)

Decrease confidence in saying that a causal relationship exists

Define Pseudoscience

A collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method

What is authority in pseudoscience?

Rely on information from an “expert”

Logic/Reason in pseudoscience, what is wrong with Descartes?

Logically valid does not mean correct

What did Descartes think?

If I think, I am

What is intuition in pseudoscience?

Knowing something without proof or evidence

What is experience also called in Pseudoscience?

Empiricism, Empirical Knowledge

Define science

Systematically gathering and evaluating empirical evidence to answer questions and test ideas

What is science also referred to as?

Systematic empiricism

What is the difference between pseudoscience, misinformation, and disinformation?

P - general belief system that is presented as science

m - wrong information

d - people think it’s true and spread it

explain Respect for persons

Individuals are autonomous, those with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection

explain Beneficence

Do not harm, maximize benefits

Explain Justice

Fair distribution of costs and benefits to potential research participants