Scientific Methodology and Psychology Concepts

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on scientific methodology and various psychological concepts.

Cultural norms

Shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a social group.

Confirmation bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms one's existing beliefs.

Hindsight bias

The tendency to believe that one could have predicted an event after it has occurred.

Overconfidence

A cognitive bias where individuals overestimate their knowledge or abilities.

Experiment

A research method where a researcher manipulates one variable to observe its effect on another.

Random assignment

The process of allocating participants to different groups using a chance procedure.

Case Study

An in-depth examination of a single subject or case.

Correlational Study

A research method that assesses the statistical relationship between two or more variables without actively manipulating them.

Meta-analysis

A statistical technique that combines data from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method where behavior is observed in a natural setting without manipulation.

Hypothesis

A proposed, testable explanation for a phenomenon.

Falsifiable Hypothesis

A hypothesis that can be proven false through observation.

Operational Definition

A clear description of a variable in a study, outlining how it will be measured.

Replication

The process of repeating a study to see if original findings can be consistently reproduced.

Independent variable

The factor that a researcher manipulates in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The variable that measures the outcome of the experiment.

Confounding variable

A factor other than the independent variable that could influence the dependent variable.

Sample

The method by which participants are selected to be included in a study.

Population

All individuals who share particular characteristics and can be considered in a study.

Representative sample

A smaller group that accurately reflects characteristics of a larger population.

Convenience Sample

A research sample chosen based on easy accessibility to the researcher.

Random Sample

A group of subjects that accurately depicts the population.

Sampling Bias

When a research sample is not representative of the larger population.

Generalizability

The extent to which study results can be applied to a broader population.

Experimental Group

Participants exposed to the independent variable in a study.

Control Group

Participants not exposed to the independent variable in an experiment.

Placebo

A substance with no known medical effects, used in studies to test the efficacy of treatments.

Single-Blind Procedure

Participants are unaware of their group assignment while researchers know.

Double-Blind Procedure

Neither the participant nor the researcher knows group assignments.

Experimenter bias

When a researcher's expectations unintentionally influence the results.

Social desirability bias

The tendency for participants to respond in a way that is socially acceptable.

Qualitative Research

Research that collects non-numerical data to understand subjective experiences.

Structured interview

An interview format where all participants answer the same set of questions.

Quantitative Research

Research that utilizes measurable data to draw conclusions.

Likert scales

A psychometric scale used to measure attitudes and opinions.

Peer review

The process where experts assess research before publication.

Directionality problem

A limitation in correlational research where it is unclear which variable causes the other.

Third variable problem

Where a seemingly correlated relationship is influenced by an unaccounted variable.

Correlation

The statistical relationship between two variables.

Causation

A direct cause-and-effect relationship between two variables.

Replicability

The ability to replicate a study's results.

Anonymity of data

Participants' identities are kept completely unknown to the researchers.

Informed Consent

Providing sufficient study information to participants before they agree to take part.

Research ethics

Moral principles guiding the conduct of research.

Institutional review

A committee that evaluates research proposals involving human participants.

Animal Research

Using non-human animals in psychological studies.

Eugenics

The aim to improve genetic quality by selective breeding.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate over the influence of genetics versus environment on behavior.

Heredity

The genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

Evolutionary Perspective

Explaining behavior through principles of evolution.

Twin Studies

Research comparing identical and fraternal twins to understand genetics and environment.

Family Studies

Examining traits within families to link genetics to behaviors.

Adoption Studies

Comparing traits of adopted individuals to biological and adoptive parents.

Central Nervous System

Composed of the brain and spinal cord, acting as the control center.

Peripheral Nervous System

Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary bodily functions.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Neurons

Specialized nerve cells for transmitting signals.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system.

Synapse

The junction where one neuron communicates with another.