Chapter 2: Methods in Social Psychology

Flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts related to methodology in social psychology.

Overarching Assumption

Social problems can be systematically studied, leading to valuable insights.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to see events as having been predictable after they have already happened.

Deductive Method

A logical process in which a general statement is applied to a specific case.

Inductive Method

A reasoning process that begins with specific facts and develops into general principles.

Parsimony

The principle that the simplest explanation is usually the best one.

Hypothesis

An explanation based on known facts that is not yet proved.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical technique that assesses the relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to +1.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome that is measured to see if it is affected by the independent variable.

Random Assignment

A process that allows participants to have an equal chance of being assigned to different conditions in an experiment.

Internal Validity

The degree to which an experiment accurately demonstrates a causal relationship between variables.

External Validity

The extent to which research findings can be generalized to contexts outside of the study.

Basic Research

Research conducted to increase our understanding of fundamental principles without immediate practical application.

Applied Research

Research aimed at solving specific practical problems using social psychological principles.

Observational Method

A research method involving the direct observation of behaviors in a natural or controlled setting.

Correlational Method

A research method that examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation.

Experimental Research

Research that involves manipulating one variable to determine if changes cause an effect on another variable.

Ethnography

A qualitative research method focused on studying people in their natural environments.