Psychological Research Flashcards

Flashcards based on Psychological Research lecture notes.

Deductive Reasoning

Results are predicted based on a general premise; based on logical analysis.

Inductive Reasoning

Conclusions are drawn from observations; based on empirical observations.

Deductive Reasoning

Results are predicted based on a general premise; based on logical analysis.

Inductive Reasoning

Conclusions are drawn from observations; based on empirical observations.

Theory

A well-developed set of ideas that propose an explanation for observed phenomena.

Hypothesis

A tentative and testable statement (prediction) about the relationship between two or more variables; an 'if-then' statement that is falsifiable.

Case Study

A research method involving an in-depth analysis of a single individual, typically in a unique circumstance. It provides a lot of insight into a case but difficult to generalize results to the larger population.

Naturalistic Observation

Observation of behavior in its natural setting without intervention; can observe genuine behavior but prone to observer bias.

Observer Bias

When observations may be skewed to align with observer expectations.

Survey

A list of questions used to gather data from a sample of individuals from a larger population; get info from lots of people but people may lie.

Archival Research

Uses past records or data sets to answer research questions; data are already obtained which saves time and money, but you can't change what information is available

Cross-Sectional Research

Comparing multiple groups at a single point in time.

Longitudinal Research

Multiple measurements from the same group of individuals over time; suffers from the risk of attrition.

Attrition

Subjects dropping out of a study over time.

Correlation

Relationship between two or more variables.

Correlation Coefficient

A number from -1 to +1 indicating the strength and direction of the relationship between variables.

Positive Correlation

Two variables change in the same direction.

Negative Correlation

Two variables change in different directions.

Causation

Changes in one variable cause the changes in the other variable; can be determined only through an experimental research design.

Confounding Variable

An unanticipated outside factor that affects both variables of interest, giving the false impression that changes in one variable causes changes in the other variable.

Illusory Correlation

Seeing relationships between two things when in reality no such relationship exists.

Confirmation Bias

Tendency to ignore evidence that disproves ideas or beliefs.

Experimental Group

The participants that experience the manipulated variable.

Control Group

Participants that do not experience the manipulated variable; serves as a basis for comparison and controls for chance factors.

Operational Definition

How researchers specifically define what they are studying and how they will measure it.

Experimenter Bias

Researchers’ expectations skew the results.

Participant Bias

Participants’ expectations skew the results (i.e., the placebo effect, or power of expectations).

Single-Blind Study

Participants don’t know what group they’re in.

Double-Blind Study

Participants and researchers who directly interact with participants don’t know who is in which group.

Independent Variable

A variable that researchers may directly control in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

A variable you measure in a subject that may be influenced by the independent variable.

Random Sampling

Ensures representation and prevents bias when selecting participants.

Statistically Significant

Results are very unlikely (usually < 5% chance) to have happened just by chance.

Peer-Reviewed Journals

Scientific studies are typically published in these, where other scientists give anonymous feedback on study quality & impact.

Reliability

Consistency over time and across situations/raters.

Validity

Measuring what it truly intends to measure.

Informed Consent

Voluntary agreement to participate after knowing what they will do, the risks, the benefits, implications, and assurance of confidentiality.