Psychology: Research Methods and the Scientific Attitude

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core elements of the scientific attitude, critical thinking, and the definition of psychology as a science from Module 0.1.

Psychology

The science of behavior and mental processes that seeks to answer questions about how and why we think, feel, and act as we do.

Scientific attitude

A mindset required to sift reality from fantasy and fact from fiction by being skeptical but not cynical, and open-minded but not gullible.

Curiosity

An element of the scientific attitude that asks "Does it work?" and seeks to confirm predictions through testing.

Skepticism

An element of the scientific attitude that asks "What do you mean?" and "How do you know?" to sift reality from fantasy.

Humility

An element of the scientific attitude involving an awareness of vulnerability to error and an openness to surprises and new perspectives.

The rat is always right

An early motto of psychology expressing a humble attitude, implying that if data does not support a prediction, the idea must be discarded or revised.

James Randi

The late magician ($1928$-$2020$) and enthusiastic skeptic who used an evidence-based approach to test and debunk supposed psychic phenomena such as auras.

Critical thinking

Thinking that does not automatically accept arguments and conclusions but instead examines assumptions, appraises the source, discerns hidden biases, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A tool used to study brain activity, as seen in the Birkbeck Babylab Centre experiment involving a $9$-month-old subject wearing a Geodesic Sensor Net.

AP Psychology Science Practices

The four skills students develop throughout the course: Concept Application, Research Methods & Design, Data Interpretation, and Argumentation.