Chapter 2: The Measure of Mind - Research Methods

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 2: The Measure of Mind (Research Methods).

Psychology

The study of human behavior and mental processes using the scientific method.

Pseudopsychology

Statements or comments made about human behavior and mental processes without using the scientific method (e.g., parapsychology, astrology).

Core Beliefs of Science

The two foundational ideas of science: 1) the universe operates according to certain natural laws, and 2) these laws are discoverable and testable.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction developed in the scientific method that must be falsifiable—meaning it can be proven right or wrong.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable in a research study that is directly manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured in a study, which changes as a result of manipulating the independent variable.

Operational Definition

The specific method or decision chosen by researchers to measure the dependent variable.

Population

The entire target group of interest to researchers in a study.

Sample

A selected subset or portion of a population chosen to participate in a research study.

Sampling Biases

The flaw that occurs when a selected sample does not accurately represent the broader population.

Random Selection

The process of selecting individuals from a population at random to form a study sample.

Representative Sample

A sample selected in a way that ensures its characteristics match or closely mirror those of the overall population.

Descriptive Research

A category of research methods used to observe and describe behavior without manipulating variables.

Experimental Research

A research design used to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables by manipulating an independent variable.

Naturalistic Observation

A descriptive research method involving systematic observation of subjects in their natural environment.

Case Study

An in-depth, intensive study of 1 or 2 individuals, typically used when examining rare or unusual behaviors.

Survey

A quick and inexpensive research method that asks individuals directly about their behaviors, thoughts, or attitudes.

Correlational Study

A research method that examines how two variables are naturally related to one another without manipulating them or proving cause and effect.

Positive Correlation

A relationship between two variables in which both increase or decrease together in the same direction.

Negative Correlation

A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable corresponds to a decrease in the other.

Experimental Group

The group of participants in an experiment who are exposed to the treatment or manipulation of the independent variable.

Control Group

The group of participants in an experiment who do not receive the treatment, serving as a baseline comparison for the experimental group.

Random Assignment

The procedure of assigning participants to either the control or experimental group by chance, giving each participant an equal probability of placement.

Double-Blind Experiment

An experimental procedure designed to eliminate experimenter bias, demand characteristics, participant bias, and placebo effects.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistical procedures used to summarize and describe data, such as the mean, median, mode, and range.

Inferential Statistics

Statistical procedures used to draw conclusions, make inferences, and test for statistical significance between groups.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The administrative body that functions as the ethics board to ensure human research complies with all ethical guidelines.

Informed Consent

The ethical process of securing participant agreement after explaining the study's procedures, potential risks, and benefits.

Debriefing

The post-experimental process of explaining the full purpose of the study and revealing any information or deception previously withheld.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The committee responsible for reviewing and approving research involving animal subjects based on pain minimization, non-animal alternatives, and scientific value.