TEXTBOOK (M1-6)

Anecdotal Evidence

 Personal stories or isolated examples used as evidence instead of systematic research.

Ob-ob mouse:

the particular term for a mouse that is the result of a genetic mutation associated with extreme obesity in the mouse

Paradigms

A broad framework or model that guides how researchers think and study a topic.

Extraneous Variable:

a variable the researcher did not manipulate or measure but nonetheless could still affect the outcome of the experiment

Replication

Repeating a study to see if the same results occur, ensuring reliability.

Social Desirability Bias

When people answer questions in ways they think are socially acceptable rather than truthful

Response Sets

A tendency to respond in a particular way on questionnaires (e.g., always saying “yes”).

Case Studies

 Detailed investigation of a single person or small group, often for rare cases.

Construct Validity

How well a test or experiment measures the concept it’s supposed to measure.

Parsimony

The simplest explanation that fits the data is preferred (Occam’s razor).

Natural Order

The idea that scientific explanations should follow the order and logic of how things naturally occur.

Generalizability

How well study results apply to people or situations beyond the research sample.

Conservatism

 In science, preferring to build on existing knowledge rather than quickly accepting radical new ideas.

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without obvious reinforcement and only shows up later.

Mechanics of Behaviour

The processes or steps by which learning affects behavior.