RMS 1 Exam 1

Basic Research

Research conducted without regard for application, primarily for the sake of knowledge.

Applied Research

Research conducted to find solutions for specific problems.

Hawthorne Effect

The phenomenon where individuals change their behavior because they are being observed.

Empiricism

The theory that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience.

Social Desirability

The tendency for respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Conceptual Definition

A definition that explains what a concept is in abstract terms.

Operational Definition

A definition that specifies how a concept is measured or defined in a study.

Falsification

The principle that theories must be able to be disproven.

Variable

Any factor that can change, be manipulated, or controlled in an experiment.

Independent Variable (IV)

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

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured and is affected by the independent variable.

Random Assignment

The process of assigning participants to different groups in a study randomly to reduce bias.

Internal Validity

The degree to which a study accurately establishes a cause-effect relationship.

External Validity

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to the greater population.

Type I Error

The error of rejecting a true null hypothesis (false positive).

Type II Error

The error of failing to reject a false null hypothesis (false negative).

Standard Deviation

A measure that indicates the average distance between the scores and the mean.

Sampling Error

The difference between sample statistics and population parameters.

Hypothesis Testing

The process of using sample data to evaluate a hypothesis about a population.

Probability

The likelihood of all possible outcomes, expressed as a fraction, decimal, or percentage.

Measurement Error

Variability in scores due to factors that distort the true score.

Reliability

The consistency and dependability of a measuring technique.

Validity

The accuracy of a measure in assessing what it is supposed to measure.

Systematic Empiricism

The systematic observation to draw conclusions in research.

Public Verification

Findings in scientific research must be replicable by others.

Falsification

The principle that theories must be able to be proven false.

Basic Research

Research conducted to understand psychological processes without immediate application.

Applied Research

Research conducted to solve problems rather than enhance general knowledge.

Descriptive Research

Research strategy that describes behavior, thoughts, and feelings.

Correlational Research

Investigates the relationship between two or more variables.

Quasi-experimental Research

Examines naturally occurring events to identify relationships.

Experimental Research

Determines whether certain variables cause changes.

Conceptual Definition

A definition similar to one found in a dictionary, explaining a concept.

Operational Definition

Specifies how a concept is measured in research.

Observational Approach

A research method where the researcher watches and records behavior without intervening.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in its natural environment without any manipulation or interference.

Contrived Observation

Conducting observation in a controlled environment, designed specifically for the research.

Disguised Observation

Researcher conceals the fact that behavior is being recorded, maintaining subjects' unaware participation.

Nondisguised Observation

Subjects are aware they are being observed, potentially affecting their behavior.

Hawthorne Effect

A phenomenon where individuals modify their behavior in response to being observed.

Self-Report

A method where participants provide information about themselves, often used in surveys and interviews.

Questionnaire

A self-report method where participants answer questions on their own, typically in written form.

Interviews

A self-report method involving direct interaction where an interviewer collects responses from participants.

Single-Item Measures

Surveys that use one question to gauge a single behavior or opinion.

Multi-Item Measures

Surveys that consist of several items addressing a single concept, leading to greater reliability.

Social Desirability Response Bias

The tendency of respondents to answer questions in a manner they believe will be viewed favorably by others.

Archival Research

Using existing records and data sets (like newspapers, census data) for analysis in research studies.

Physiological Approach

Research method focusing on biological measures such as neural activity, blood tests, or physiological responses.

Interrater Reliability

The degree to which different observers give consistent estimates of the same phenomenon.

Rating Scales

A method where observers rate the frequency, intensity, or quality of behaviors on a scale.

Checklist

A structured method for recording specific attributes or behaviors in observational research.

Response Styles

Patterns of responding that may bias the validity of self-report measures, like acquiescence or nay-saying.

Latencies and Durations

Measurements in observational research indicating the time taken for a behavior to occur or how long it lasts.