Chapter 2 - Scientific Methods in Psychology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to scientific methods in psychology.

Replicable Results

Data that anyone can obtain, at least approximately, by following the same procedures.

Falsifiability

The ability of a theory to be proven wrong by evidence.

Burden of Proof

The obligation to present evidence to support one’s claim.

Operational Definition

Specifies the operations or procedures used to produce or measure something.

Convenience Sample

A sample that consists of individuals who are easily available, which may lead to results that are not generalizable.

Representative Sample

A sample that reflects the characteristics of the larger population from which it is drawn.

Random Sample

A sample where every individual has an equal chance of being selected.

Cross-Cultural Sample

A sample that includes participants from different cultural backgrounds.

Meta-analysis

A method that combines results from multiple studies to determine overall trends.

Illusory Correlation

The perception of a relationship between two variables when none exists, often due to expectations or preconceived notions.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment that is being tested.

Control Group

A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison.

Single-blind Study

A study in which either the participants or the researchers do not know which group participants are in.

Double-blind Study

A study in which neither the participants nor the researchers know which participants received which treatment.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistical methods that summarize and describe the characteristics of a dataset.

Inferential Statistics

Statistical techniques that allow conclusions to be drawn about a population based on a sample.

Statistical Significance

The likelihood that a relationship observed in the data is not due to chance.

P-hacking

The practice of manipulating data to find statistically significant results that may not be reflective of true effects.

HARKing

Hypothesizing After the Results are Known; formulating a hypothesis based on results that were already known.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Guiding principles that ensure the safety and well-being of research participants.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method involving observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulation.

Placebo Effect

The phenomenon in which patients experience perceived improvements in their condition after receiving a placebo.