Research Methods and The Social Self

Vocabulary flashcards covering experimental psychology methods, research ethics, self-concept definitions, and mindset theories.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable manipulated by a researcher in an experiment to test a cause-and-effect relationship (the cause).

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome variable measured after manipulation in an experiment (the effect).

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

A Research Ethics Committee at colleges and hospitals that reviews and approves research studies.

Informed Consent

An ethical requirement ensuring that participants freely choose to participate in a study and remain free to quit at any time.

The "I" Self

The active "knower" self responsible for self-awareness, analogous to a reader.

The "Me" Self

The contents of the self (self-concept), analogous to a library, as defined by William James (1890).

Self-Control/Regulation

A component of self-awareness involving thinking about your own desires, goals, and values, and making choices to best achieve them.

Fixed Mindset

The belief that talent is innate, born-with, and cannot be changed, making effort seem unimportant and failure an indicator of lack of talent.

Growth Mindset

The belief that talent is changeable and can improve with effort, viewing failure as a natural part of the learning process.

Grit

Passion and perseverance to achieve long-term goals.

Physical Self-Concept

Self-descriptions based on physical qualities that do not imply social interaction (e.g., "I am tall").

Social Self-Concept

Self-descriptions based on social roles, institutional memberships, or identity/cultural groups (e.g., "I am a college student").

Attribute Self-Concept

Self-descriptions based on psychological or physiological states or traits (e.g., "I am caring", "I am tired").

Global Self-Concept

Broad or vague self-descriptions that do not distinguish a person from others (e.g., "I am a human being").