Social Psychology Chapter 1-2

What is the first step in the scientific method?

Begins with a question.

What is a hypothesis?

An explicit, testable condition important for planning and conducting research.

What is the difference between basic and applied research?

Basic research tests specific hypotheses, while applied research focuses on real-world solutions.

What are conceptual variables?

Abstract, general forms of variables.

What is an operational definition?

Procedures for measuring a variable.

What does construct validity refer to?

The ability to measure or manipulate a variable accurately.

What are the two main categories of measuring social psychological variables?

Self-reports and observations.

What is descriptive research?

Research that describes people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

What is correlational research?

Research that measures the relationship between different variables.

What does a correlation coefficient of +1.0 indicate?

A perfect positive relationship between variables.

What is the main limitation of correlational research?

Correlation does not imply causation.

What are independent and dependent variables?

Independent variables are manipulated by experimenters, while dependent variables are measured to see if they are affected.

What is the purpose of random assignment in experimental research?

To ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group.

What is the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in research?

To ensure ethical research practices with human subjects.

What is informed consent?

Participants' voluntary agreement to participate in research after being informed of the study's purpose.

What is debriefing in research?

Disclosure to participants after a study, explaining the research purpose and resolving negative feelings.

What is the social brain hypothesis?

The idea that large brains evolved to manage complex social relationships.

What is the 'knew it all along phenomenon' in social psychology?

The tendency to believe that one knew an outcome all along after it has occurred.

Who conducted the first published research article in social psychology?

Norman Triplett in 1897, studying bicyclists.

What impact did Adolf Hitler have on social psychology?

He raised questions about why people followed him and how he influenced large groups.

What are some fields that social psychology intersects with?

Criminal justice, health, environmental studies, and culture.

What is the difference between collectivism and individualism?

Collectivism emphasizes group goals, while individualism emphasizes personal goals.

What are some new technologies used in social psychology research?

PET, ERP, TMS, and fMRI.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact social interaction?

It led to increased isolation and changes in how people interact socially.