AP Psychology Summer Vocabulary

  1. Critical thinking

Thinking that does not automatically accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, appraises the source, discerns hidden biases, evaluates evidence and assesses conclusions. 


  1. Hindsight bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (Also known as the I-Knew-it-all-along phenomenon)

  1. Overconfidence

When people tend to think they know more than they do. Sometimes when asked for clarifications, we tend to be more confident in our answers than correct. This can drive us to quick thinking, rather than correct and timely thinking. Overconfidence in our judgements results partly from our bias to seek information that confirms them.


  1. Scientific method

A self correcting process for evaluating ideas with observation and analysis.If the theory works, the data supports its production. If the predictions fail, the theory gets revised or rejected.

 

  1. Peer reviewers

Scientific experts who evaluate a research article’s theory, originality, and accuracy.


  1. Theory

Explanation using an integrated set Of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.

 

  1. Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by theory .


  1. Falsifiable

The possibility that an idea, hypothesis, or theory can be disproven by observation or experiment.


  1. Operational definition

Only worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures.(AKA operationalization)


  1. Replication

Beating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced.


  1. Case study

An experimental technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hopes of revealing universal principles 


  1. naturalistic observation

A nonexperimental technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.


  1. Survey

A non-experimental technique for obtaining the self reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.


  1. Social desirability bias

Bias from people responding in ways they presume a researcher expects or wishes


  1. Self report bias

Bias when people report their behavior inaccurately

 

  1. Sampling bias

A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample


  1. Convenience sampling

A sampling strategy that involves selecting participants based on their accessibility and availability to the researcher.


  1. Representative sample

A group of people that closely match the characteristics of a population as a whole. Sample is an accurate reflection of the population of which it's drawn.


  1. Random sample

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member ha an equal chance of inclusion.


  1. Population

All those in a group being studied, from which random samples may be drawn. (Note: Except for national studies, this does not refer to a country’s whole population)


  1. Correlation

A measure of the extent to which two factors very together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other 


  1. Correlation coefficient

A statistical index of the relationship between two variables (from -1.00 to +1.00)


  1. Variable

Anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure.


  1. Scatterplot

A graft cluster of dogs, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation)


  1. Positive correlation

Happens when the increase of one variable is accompanied by an increase of the other variable.


  1. Negative correlation

A relationship between two variables where the value of one variable increases as the value of the other variable decreases.


  1. Illusory correlation

Perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than actual relationship.


  1. Regression toward the mean

The tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back (regress) towards the average.


  1. Experiment

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) To observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By a random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.


  1. Experimental group

In an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment-that is, to one version of the independent variable. 


  1. Control group

In an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.


  1. Random assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.


  1. Placebo

In latin, it means ‘I shall please’


  1. Single blind procedure

An experimental procedure in which the research participants are ignorant (blind) about whether they have received the treatment or a placebo.


  1. Double blind procedure

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment of a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.


  1. Placebo effect

Mental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent. 


  1. independent variable

In an experiment, the factor that is manipulated. The variable whose effect is being studied.

 

  1. Confounding variable

In an experiment, the factor other than the factor being studied might influence the studies’ results.


  1. Experimenter bias

Bias caused when researchers may unintentionally influence results to confirm their own beliefs.


  1. dependent variable

In an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variabel that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.


  1. Validity 

The extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to.


  1. Quantitative research

A research method that relies on quantifiable, numerical data


  1. Likert scale

It’s used to measure quantifiable data. A rating scale is used to measure survey participants' opinions, attitudes, motivations and more .


  1. Qualitative research

A research method that relies on in-depth, narrative data that are not translated into numbers.


  1. Confederates

Also known as research actors-they are let in about the experiment. Really participate in the experiments along with the actual subjects.

 

  1. Informed consent

Giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate. 


  1. Informed assent

Fundamental requirement of research. The subject has to sign the consent form prior to the start of a study. This describes their involvement specifically to the research.

  1. Debriefing

The post experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.


  1. Institutional Review Board

This is an administrative body which is established to protect the rights of the well-being of human research subjects. Based on four core principles of maintaining healthy subjects. This makes sure that the subject are not being taken advantage of