CHAPTER 2- From Textbook

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on Psychology as a Science.

Scientific Method

A process used in science to develop theories and test hypotheses through observation and experimentation.

Core Beliefs of Science

The universe operates according to natural laws, and these laws are discoverable and testable.

Hypothesis

A specific prediction that can be tested and is falsifiable; it describes the relationship between variables.

Inductive Reasoning

Reasoning that involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations.

Deductive Reasoning

Reasoning that begins with general principles and applies them to specific situations.

Pseudopsychology

Pop psychology or unscientific claims about human behavior that typically lack empirical support.

Descriptive Research Methods

Research methods including case studies, surveys, and naturalistic observations used to describe phenomena.

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of a single individual or small group to explore complex issues.

Naturalistic Observation

Research method where subjects are observed in their natural environment without interference.

Correlational Research

Research that examines the relationship between two or more variables without inferring causation.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistic that expresses the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment; it's expected to change due to the independent variable.

Random Selection

A sampling technique where every individual in the population has an equal chance of being included.

Ethical Guidelines

Regulations to protect research participants' rights, including informed consent and confidentiality.

Informed Consent

The process of informing participants about the study's purpose, risks, and benefits before agreeing to participate.

Debriefing

A procedure following a study in which participants are given full information about the study and its outcomes.

Statistical Significance

A determination of whether research results are likely to be due to chance or if there's a real effect.

Effect Size

A statistic that measures the strength of a relationship between variables.

Replicability

The ability to repeat a study and obtain similar results, confirming findings are reliable.

Bias

Prejudice or predisposition toward a certain outcome that can affect research results.