Unit 0: Scientific Methodology

Behaviorism

A theoretical orientation based on the premise that scientific psychology should study only observable behavior

Case Study

An in-depth investigation of an individual subject.

Cognition

The mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge

Confounding Variables

A condition that exists whenever two variables are linked together in a way that makes it difficult to sort out their independent effects.

Control Group

Subjects in a study who do not receive the special treatment given to the experimental group

Dependent Variables

In an experiment, the variable that is thought to be affected by the manipulation of the independent variable

Double Blind Procedures

A research strategy in which neither subjects nor experimenters know which subjects are in the experimental or control groups.

Evolutionary Psychology

Theoretical perspective that examines behavioral processes in terms of their adaptive value for a species over the course of many generations.

Experiment

A research method in which the investigator manipulates a variable under carefully controlled conditions and observes whether any changes occur in a second variable as a result.

Experimenter Bias

A phenomenon that occurs when a researcher's expectations or preferences about the outcome of a study influence the result obtained

Experimental Group

The subjects in a study
who receive some special treatment in regard to
the independent variable.

Extraneous Variables

Any variables other than the independent variable that seem likely to influence the dependent variable in a specific study.

Humanism

A theoretical orientation that emphasizes the unique qualities of humans, especially their freedom and their potential for personal growth.

Hypothesis

A tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.

Independent Variable

In an experiment, a condition or event that an experimenter varies in order to see its impact on another variable.

Naturalistic Observation

A descriptive research method in which the researcher engages in careful, usually prolonged, observation of behavior without intervening directly with the subjects.

Operational Definition

A definition that describes the actions or operations that will be made to measure or control a variable.

Placebo Effect

The fact that subjects' expectations can lead them to experience some change even though they receive an empty, fake, or ineffectual treatment.

Population

The larger collection of animals or people from which a sample is drawn and that researchers want to generalize about.

Positive Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the study of positive emotions, strengths, and factors that contribute to human flourishing and well-being.

Psychoanalythic Theory

A psychological perspective that emphasizes unconscious processes and childhood experiences in shaping behavior and personality.

Psychology

The science that studies behavior and the physiological and cognitive processes that underlie it, and the profession that applies the accumulated knowledge of this science to practical problems.

Random Assignment

The constitution of groups in a study such that all subjects have an equal chance of being assigned to any group or condition.

Reactivity

When a subject’s behavior is altered by the presence of an observer

Sample

Collections of subjects selected for observation in an empirical study

Sampling Bias

A problem that occurs when a sample is not representative of the population from which it is drawn.

Social Desirability Bias

A tendency to give socially approved answers to questions about oneself.

Survey

A descriptive research method in which researchers use questionnaires or interviews to gather information about specific aspects of subjects' behavior.

Variables

Any measurable conditions, events, characteristics, or behaviors that are controlled or observed in a study.