Chapter 1: Psychology, Critical Thinking, and Science

Flashcards covering the definitions, research methods, and ethical guidelines from Chapter 1 of Introduction to Psychology, 15th Edition.

How is psychology defined in the text?

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

According to the Gateway Theme, what two things is psychology considered to be?

Psychology is a profession and a science.

What do psychologists rely on to critically answer questions about behavior?

Scientific observation.

In psychological research ethics, what is the term for removing any misconceptions caused by deception?

Debriefing.

What is the primary advantage of using the experimental method in research?

Clear cause-and-effect relationships can be identified and powerful controlled observations can be staged.

What is a major disadvantage of naturalistic observation?

Little or no control is possible and causes cannot be conclusively identified.

What are the primary benefits of correlational research?

It demonstrates the existence of relationships and allows for prediction.

Which research method is specifically noted for allowing the investigation of rare or unusual problems or events?

The clinical method.

What is a critical difficulty associated with the survey method of research?

Obtaining a representative sample is critical and can be difficult to do.

According to the Basic Ethical Guidelines, when should deception be used in a study?

Use deception only when absolutely necessary.