Research Methods full vocab

Basic research

The aim is to answer scientific questions and expand the overall information base in psychology.

Applied research

Uses descriptive, correlational and experimental designs to influence behavior and solve real-world problems.

Population

Includes all members of a group that could be selected for research to whom the results apply.

Sample

Small subset of the individuals who represent the population.

Sampling bias

Any selection method resulting in a sample that is not representative of the population or that does not provide all of the members of the population an equal chance to be chosen for the study.

Random samples

Designed so that every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen for the study.

Random selection

Any way of generating a random sample; allows research to be applied to the general population.

Stratified samples

Created by dividing the population into subgroups (strata) to create a sample that contains members of each subgroup in the same proportion that exists in the larger population.

Descriptive methods

A method of doing research designed to observe, and measure behaviors and mental processes.

Naturalistic observation

When we observe human or animal behavior as it occurs in the natural environment.

Surveys

Designed to discover the beliefs, opinions and attitudes of a sample to draw conclusions about the population.

Case Study method

In-depth interviews and investigation of individuals or groups who are unique.

Theory

Helps organize lots of different observable events, make sense of them, make predictions about them, and connect them to more comprehensive principles.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher to see how it affects the dependent variable.

Dependent variable

The behavior or response outcome that the researcher measures, which is hoped to have been affected by the independent variable.

Operational Definitions

The definition of behaviors or qualities in terms of how they are to be measured.

Hypothesis

Testable predictions about behavior, specifically about our variables.

Null hypothesis

A prediction that the independent variable will have no effect on the dependent variable or that the findings result from chance.

Experimental Group

The group that receives the experimental condition.

Control group

The group that does not receive the experimental condition.

Quasi Experiment

The difference between the experimental and control groups has previously been determined, because the variable being studied has already taken effect.

Random assignment

A procedure used in experiments to create multiple study groups that include participants with similar characteristics.

Research bias/Experimenter bias

A process where the scientists performing the research influence the results to portray a certain outcome.

Participant bias/Demand characteristics

Participants may act in ways they believe correspond to what the researcher is looking for.

Between-subjects design

Each participant participates in one and only one group.

Within-subjects design

Participants get all of the treatments/conditions.

Placebo

A harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for any physiological effect.

Placebo effect

An inactive substance or other sham form of therapy administered to a patient usually to compare its effects with those of a real drug or treatment, but sometimes for the psychological benefit to the patient through his believing he is receiving treatment.

Single blind study

Of or relating to an experiment or clinical trial in which the researchers, but not the subjects, know which subjects are receiving the active medication or treatment and which are not.

Double blind study

Of or relating to an experiment or clinical trial in which neither the subjects nor the researchers know which subjects are receiving the active medication, treatment, etc., and which are not.

Confounding variable

A confounding variable, also known as a third variable or a mediator variable, can adversely affect the relation between the independent variable and dependent variable.

Correlation

An analysis of data which or a study which attempts to determine how much of a relationship exists between variables. It cannot establish cause & effect.

Positive correlation

As one variable increases or decreases so does the other (example: as temperature increases, so does an individual's anger).

Negative correlation

As one variable increases, the other decreases (example: as temperature increases, the demand for hot chocolate decreases).

School of Structuralism

An early psychological perspective emphasizing units of consciousness and identification of elements of thought.

School of Functionalism

An early psychological perspective concerned with how organisms use perceptual abilities to adapt to the environment.

Behaviorism

A psychological perspective concerned with behavioral reactions to stimuli and learning as a result of experience.

Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic approach

A psychological perspective concerned with how unconscious instincts and conflicts influence behavior.

Humanistic approach

A psychological perspective focused on individual potential for growth and unique perceptions.

Evolutionary psychology

A psychological perspective concerned with how natural selection favored behaviors that contributed to survival.

Sociocultural approach

A psychological perspective focused on how cultural differences affect behavior.

Biological approach

A psychological perspective concerned with physiological and biochemical factors determining behavior.

Cognitive neuroscience

The interdisciplinary study of how brain activity is linked with cognition.

Eclectic approach

The use of techniques and ideas from a variety of psychological approaches.

Clinical psychologist

A psychologist who evaluates and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Counseling psychologist

A psychologist who helps people adapt to change or make lifestyle changes.

Developmental psychologist

A psychologist who studies psychological development throughout the lifespan.

Educational psychologist

A psychologist focused on effective teaching and learning.

Forensic psychologist

A psychologist who applies psychological principles to legal issues.

Neuropsychologist

A psychologist who explores the relationships between brain/nervous systems and behavior.

School psychologist

A psychologist who assesses and counsels students and consults with educators and parents.

Social psychologist

A psychologist who focuses on how a person's mental life and behavior are shaped by interactions with others.

Industrial/organizational psychologist

A psychologist who aims to improve productivity and quality of work life using psychological principles.

Sports psychologist

A psychologist who helps athletes refine focus on competition and deal with anxiety.

Engineering psychologist

A psychologist who researches how people function best with machines.

Informed consent

Participants must know they are involved in research and participate voluntarily, with knowledge of risks and benefits.

Confidentiality

Participants' privacy must be protected by disguising identity and obtaining permission to record.

Deception

Research practice involving misinforming participants about the nature of the study, requiring IRB approval.

Debrief

Researchers must fully explain the details of the research and any deception involved immediately after the research ends.