Research Methods and Perspectives in Psychology

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers fundamental psychological perspectives, cognitive biases, scientific research terminology, and various research designs and methodologies.

Psychology

The scientific study of mental processes and behavior.

Mental Processes

The 'thinking' parts of our brain that occur inside our heads and cannot be seen from the outside.

Behavior

What we do and how we act; the things that can be seen from the outside.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Explores how unconscious drives, conflicts, and childhood experiences shape behavior.

Behaviorism

Focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are learned through interaction with the environment.

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasizes personal growth, free will, and the concept of self-actualization (reaching one’s full potential).

Cognitive Perspective

Examines internal mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Biological Perspective

Studies the physiological bases of behavior in humans and animals.

Evolutionary Perspective

Considers how behavior and mental processes serve as adaptations for survival and reproduction.

Sociocultural Perspective

Analyzes how culture, social norms, and social environments influence behavior.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

Combines biological, psychological, and social factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to look for, interpret, or remember information in a way that confirms what one already believes.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency for people to believe they knew something was going to happen after it has already occurred.

Overconfidence

When people have too much faith in their own judgments or abilities, thinking they know more than they actually do.

Empirical Evidence

Information that is obtained through observation, experimentation, or measurement.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach used to study human behavior and mental processes involving observations, hypotheses, experiments, and data analysis.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction or educated guess about the relationship between variables or the outcome of a research study.

Falsifiable

The requirement that a hypothesis must be able to be tested and potentially proven wrong to be considered scientifically valid.

Peer Review

A process where research articles and studies are evaluated by experts in the field before they are published in academic journals.

Replication

The process of repeating or reproducing a research study with new participants to determine if its findings can be consistently observed.

Reliability

A measure or test that produces consistent results when administered repeatedly under similar conditions; often remembered by the acronym 'RRR' (Repeated, Reliable Results).

Validity

The extent to which a research study or measurement tool accurately measures what it intends to measure; often remembered by the acronym 'VET' (Valid Evidence, True).

American Psychological Association (APA)

Founded in 1892, it is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of psychology and the largest association of psychologists worldwide.

Research Design

The overall plan or blueprint for how to answer a research question, including the BIG 5: experiment, case study, naturalistic observation, correlational study, and meta-analysis.

Methodology

The specific techniques, tools, and methods used to collect data, such as surveys, interviews, and questionnaires.

Quantitative Data

Numbers-based information gathered from surveys, tests, or experiments that helps understand patterns in a precise way.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical information collected through interviews or observations that focuses on people’s experiences and behaviors.

Likert Scales

A measurement tool used in surveys where respondents indicate their level of agreement or disagreement on a scale ranging from 'Strongly Agree' to 'Strongly Disagree'.

Structured Interviews

A research method in which predetermined questions are asked to all participants in the same order to allow for consistent data collection.

Survey Technique

A research method used to collect data through self-report measures, asking participants questions about their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors.

Wording Effect

Subtle changes in the phrasing of survey questions that can influence respondents' interpretations and responses.

Social Desirability Bias

The tendency of individuals to respond in a manner viewed favorably by others or that conforms to social norms rather than providing honest answers.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method where researchers observe and record behavior in real-world settings without intervention or manipulation.

Case Study

A research method involving an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, or phenomenon, such as the study of reaching language acquisition in the case of 'Genie'.