Ap psychology Unit 2 Vocab IHS

Hindsight Bias

Believing an outcome was predictable after it has occurred.

Critical Thinking

Evaluating information and arguments logically and systematically.

Theory

A broad explanation based on evidence.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction.

Operational Definition

A clear, measurable definition of a variable.

Replication

Repeating a study to confirm results.

Case Study

An in-depth examination of a single individual or group.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in its natural setting without interference.

Survey

A method to collect data from a large group through questions.

Sampling Bias

When some members of a population are less likely to be included in the sample.

Population

The entire group of interest in a study.

Random Sample

A sample where every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.

Correlation

A measure of how two variables are related.

Correlation Coefficient

A number from -1 to +1 indicating the strength and direction of a correlation.

Scatterplot

A graph showing the relationship between two variables using dots.

Illusory Correlation

Seeing a relationship between two variables when none exists.

Experiment

A study where variables are manipulated to observe effects.

Experimental Group

The group that receives the treatment in an experiment.

Control Group

The group that does not receive the treatment, used for comparison.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to groups by chance to ensure equality.

Double-Blind Procedure

Both participants and researchers are unaware of group assignments.

Placebo

A non-active substance used to control for the effects of expectations.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

Confounding Variable

An extraneous variable that could affect the outcome.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Validity

How accurately a study measures what it intends to.

Descriptive Statistics

Methods to summarize and describe data.

Mode

The most frequent value in a data set.

Mean

The average of a data set.

Median

The middle value in a data set.

Skewed Distribution

A data set that is not symmetrically distributed.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest values.

Standard Deviation

A measure of data spread around the mean.

Normal Curve

A bell-shaped curve showing a normal distribution.

Inferential Statistics

Techniques for making generalizations from sample data.

Statistical Significance

Whether an observed effect is likely due to chance.

Culture

Shared values and practices of a group.

Informed Consent

Informing participants about a study before they agree to take part.

Debriefing

Explaining the true nature of the study to participants after it is completed.