Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the introductory concepts, historical figures, research methods, and ethical principles of psychology.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Mental process

Unobservable thoughts.

Behavior

An observable act, for example, kissing.

Empirical method

An approach to knowledge that relies on scientific evidence and a psychological frame of mind characterized by critical thinking, curiosity, skepticism, and objectivity.

Scientific method

A method for establishing truth that involves developing theories and empirically testing hypotheses.

Wilhelm Wundt

The founder of the first psychology laboratory in Germany in 1879, known for structuralism and introspection.

William James

The first American psychologist and first to offer a psychology course in the US, known for functionalism and adaptation.

Descriptive Research

A type of research most commonly used to report characteristics of a population.

Correlational Research

A type of research most commonly used to report associations between variables.

Experimental Research

A type of research used to determine causal relationships.

Naturalistic observation

A method where researchers gather information by unobtrusively observing individuals in their natural environments.

Correlation coefficient ($r$)

A value describing the strength of a linear relationship, where $-1.00 \leq r \leq 1.00$.

Spurious correlation

A correlation in which no direct cause and effect relationship exists, often due to the possibility of a third-variable.

Random assignment

A technique that ensures there are no pre-existing differences between groups, allowing researchers to infer that the experimental manipulation caused the outcome.

Independent variable

The variable that gets manipulated in an experiment; the cause or potential cause.

Dependent variable

The outcome variable, or the effect, in an experiment.

Reliability

Refers to the consistency of research results.

Validity

Refers to the accuracy of research results.

IRB (Institutional Review Board)

A committee that reviews and must approve all research to ensure ethical principles are followed.

Informed consent

An ethical requirement where participants are provided with information and agree to participate in research.