Introductory Methods: The Scientific Process in Psychology

Flashcards covering the scientific process and introductory methods in psychology, including key definitions, steps, and considerations for research studies.

What is empiricism in the context of scientific psychology?

Empiricism is the belief that knowledge is initially acquired through observation of the world.

What is a hypothesis in the scientific method?

A hypothesis is a prediction that can be scientifically tested and will either be supported or not supported by data.

What is a theory in the scientific method?

A theory is an overarching explanation for a set of findings and observations that synthesizes meaning and leads to the generation of new hypotheses.

What are the six main steps of the scientific method as applied in psychology?

The steps are: Observe and question, Form hypotheses, Plan a study, Collect data, Analyze data, and Evaluate theory.

What is a 'variable' in a psychological study?

A variable is anything that can differ from one instance to another, or from one person to another.

Distinguish between continuous and categorical variables.

A continuous variable can exist as any value along a spectrum (e.g., age, height), while a categorical variable is defined in strict categories (e.g., 'married' or 'not married').

What is meant by 'generalizability' or 'external validity' in a research study?

Generalizability, or external validity, refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be accurately applied to the broader population from which the sample was drawn.

What is 'internal validity' in an experimental study?

Internal validity refers to the use of proper control groups to control for confounding variables, ensuring that observed effects are due to the independent variable.

Why is it important for variables to be 'operationally defined' when collecting data?

Variables need to be operationally defined so they can be measured and observed in an objective fashion, ensuring accurate and consistent data collection.

What are the three types of reliability discussed in the context of objective measurements?

The three types are: test-retest reliability, internal reliability, and interrater reliability.

Explain 'test-retest reliability'.

Test-retest reliability means that a measure should yield similar scores for the same individual over time.

Explain 'internal reliability'.

Internal reliability applies to scales and means that items designed to measure a single variable should be consistent within individuals.

Explain 'interrater reliability'.

Interrater reliability means that if a variable is being measured by multiple people, all raters should assign similar scores to the same instance of that variable.

What is the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?

Descriptive statistics summarize and describe data, while inferential statistics attempt to draw conclusions from the data by utilizing estimations and tests.

What are the two additional crucial steps mentioned after evaluating the theory in the scientific method?

The two additional steps are: replicate findings ('replicate, replicate, replicate!') and present the findings.