Research Methods

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one could have predicted it all along.

Overconfidence

A cognitive bias that leads to inflated confidence in one's judgments and predictions.

Scientific Attitude

An approach that promotes evidence-based thinking and critical analysis.

Animal Study Ethics

Ethical considerations in research that ensure no harm comes to animal subjects.

Informed Consent

Subjects must be aware they are part of an experiment and understand its nature.

Anonymity

Ensuring that private information of participants remains confidential.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to research that enhances understanding of human behavior.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in a real-world setting without interference.

Case Study

An in-depth study of an individual over time to gather detailed information.

Correlational Study

Research examining the relationship between two related variables.

Survey Method

A cost-effective and straightforward way to gather data on attitudes and behaviors.

Population

The entire group from which a researcher wants to draw conclusions.

Random Sample

A sampling method where every individual has an equal chance of being selected.

Longitudinal Study

Research involving the same group of people studied over different ages.

Cross-Sectional Study

Research comparing different groups of people at the same age.

Experiment

A research method where the researcher manipulates variables to study effects.

Operational Definition

A clear and measurable definition of the variables in a study.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome variable that is measured and affected by the IV.

Experimental Group

Participants in an experiment who receive the treatment.

Control Group

Participants who do not receive the experimental treatment.

Random Assignment

The process of randomly assigning participants to different groups in an experiment.

Double-Blind Procedure

A research design where neither participants nor researchers know group assignments.

Placebo

A non-active substance used in experiments to control for psychological effects.

Confounding Variable

An extraneous factor that could influence the outcome of an experiment.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that indicates the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables. (-1…0…1)

Positive Psychology

The study and promotion of optimal human functioning and positive qualities.

Measures of Central Tendency

Statistical measures that summarize a set of data; includes mean, mode, median, and range.

Mean

The average score calculated by summing all values and dividing by the number of values.

Mode

The most frequently occurring score in a data set.

Median

The middle score in a data set when arranged in order.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a data set.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

An approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding behavior.

Psychological Perspective

A framework for classifying and understanding behavior through various theories.

Behavioral Perspective

A viewpoint that focuses on learning through rewards, punishments, and observation.

Psychoanalytical Perspective

A perspective that examines how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior.

Humanistic Perspective

An approach that emphasizes individual capacity and personal perception of the world.

Cognitive Perspective

A viewpoint that explores how people think, process information, and interpret situations.

Social-Cultural Perspective

An approach that studies how behavior and thinking vary across different contexts and cultures.

Biological Perspective

A viewpoint that examines how biological processes and structures influence behavior and emotions.

Wilhelm Wundt

Known as the father of psychology and founder of modern psychology.

William James

The first U.S. psychologist and founder of functionalism.

Sigmund Freud

A psychologist who focused on the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior.

Ivan Pavlov

A Russian physiologist known for his work in behaviorism and classical conditioning.

John B

The founder of behaviorism who emphasized observable behavior.

B.F

A behaviorist known for his research on operant conditioning and reinforcement.

Jean Piaget

A psychologist who studied cognitive development in children.

Qualitative

A type of research that involves non-numerical data analysis.