Chapter 2: Psychological Research - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on psychological research methods.

Research

Systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to validate claims; psychology is a science grounded in empirical evidence.

Empirical

Based on observed, measurable evidence obtained through experience or experiments; verifiable by others.

Inductive reasoning

Drawing general conclusions from specific observations; used to form theories.

Deductive reasoning

Drawing specific conclusions from general premises; predictions follow from theory.

Theory

A set of ideas that explains observed phenomena and generates testable predictions.

Hypothesis

A tentative, testable statement about the relationship between variables.

Clinical or case study

In-depth study of one individual or a small group over a long period.

Naturalistic observation

Observing behavior in its natural environment without manipulation.

Survey

A method that asks people questions to collect data about opinions, behaviors, or characteristics.

Archival research

Using existing records or data sets to answer questions or find patterns.

Cross-sectional research

Comparing different segments of a population at a single point in time.

Longitudinal research

Following the same group of individuals over an extended period, measuring them repeatedly.

Correlational research

Research examining relationships between two or more variables without manipulating them.

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables; strength and direction indicated by the correlation coefficient.

Correlation coefficient (r)

A value between -1 and +1 that indicates the strength and direction of a relationship.

Positive correlation

As one variable increases, the other tends to increase as well.

Negative correlation

As one variable increases, the other tends to decrease.

Correlation is not causation

A relationship between variables does not prove that one causes the other.

Experimental research

Research involving manipulation of an independent variable to observe effects on a dependent variable, enabling cause-and-effect conclusions.

Independent variable (IV)

The variable deliberately manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent variable (DV)

The variable measured to assess the effect of the IV.

Experimental group

Participants exposed to the manipulation of the IV.

Control group

Participants not exposed to the manipulation; serve as a baseline.

Population

The entire group of individuals to which the research aims to generalize.

Random sample

A sample chosen by chance from the population to be representative.

Random assignment

Randomly assigning participants to experimental or control groups to minimize bias.

Bias

Systematic error or deviation from truth; threatens validity of conclusions.

Blind study

A study in which participants (and sometimes researchers) do not know which condition participants are in to reduce bias.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

A committee that reviews proposed research involving humans to protect participants.

Informed consent

Process of informing participants about the study, risks, voluntary participation, and confidentiality before agreeing to participate.

Deception

Withholding or misleading participants about aspects of the study; justified only under certain conditions and followed by debriefing.

Debriefing

Providing participants with full information about the study after participation, including its purpose and any deception used.

Trephination

Historical practice of drilling a hole in the skull to release spirits and treat mental illness.