Unit 1 Vocabulary - AP Psychology (2nd Period)

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Psychology - The scientific study of behavior and mental processes

Basic Research - (fundamental or pure research) Study and research meant to increase our scientific knowledge base. Often purely theoretical, with the intent of increasing our understanding of certain phenomena or behavior.

Applied Research - Scientific study that focuses on solving problems and creating new technologies. Main purpose: apply research to real-world situations.

Testing Effect - Long-term memory is increased when part of the learning period is devoted to retrieving information from memory through practice

Structuralism - Perspective founded by Wilhelm Wundt that seeks to break down consciousness to its basic elements without sacrificing any of the properties of the whole.

Functionalism - Perspective founded by William James, which suggests that the mind’s primary purpose is to help humans adapt to their environment. This approach focuses on the overall function of the brain in fulfilling practical needs, rather than analyzing its separate components.

Behaviorism - Proposed by John B Watson. Focuses on how people learn through their interactions with the environment. Idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning (learning), which is a process of reinforcement and punishment.

Psychoanalysis - Sigmund Freud’s perspective that believes behavior is influenced by the unconscious mind, often in the form of dreams

Gestalt Psychology - Perspective that suggests the whole of anything is greater than its parts. States that people tend to see the big picture.

Biological Approach - Modern approach that emphasizes influence of biology on behavior. Ex. Brain, Genetics, Neuroscience

Behavior Genetics - the study of the influence of an organism's genetic makeup on its behavior and the interaction between genetics and environment as they influence behavior

Evolutionary Approach - the study of behavior, thought, and feeling as viewed through the lens of evolutionary biology

Psychodynamic Approach - Proposed by Sigmund Freud, focuses on the internal, unconscious mental forces that individuals are usually unaware of, but drive emotions and actions

Behavioral Approach - (Learning theory) Proposed by B.F. Skinner, focuses on how people learn through their interactions with the environment

Cognitive Approach - assumes that people's interpretations of events cause their reactions to events and that there is an internal process that occurs between when a stimulus happens and when you respond to it (Event → Interpretation → Reaction)

Neuroscientific Approach - investigates the structure and function of the brain to recognize the connection of physical responses to possible emotional or psychological issues

Humanistic Approach - Perspective that emphasizes looking at the whole individual using the concept of capacity for self-actualization, self-fulfillment, and validation. Argues that people are free to choose their own lives and make their own decisions, focusing on the underlying motivations that drive personality, self-concept, and self-esteem

Sociocultural Approach - Modern approach that examines how people’s behavior is affected by their surrounding, social and cultural factors based on their awareness of their surroundings

Biopsychosocial Approach - an integrated approach that combines three different perspectives: biological, psychological, and social-cultural

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Case Study - An in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, event, or situation to explore complex issues or phenomena.

Naturalistic Observation - A research method where subjects are observed in their natural environment without any manipulation or intervention by the researcher.

Survey - A method of gathering information from a sample of individuals using questionnaires or interviews to collect data on attitudes, opinions, or behaviors.

Ex Post Facto - A research design where subjects are categorized based on an independent variable that has already occurred, without manipulation by the researcher.

Meta-analysis - A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies to identify patterns, relationships, or overall effects.

Longitudinal - A research design that involves repeated observations of the same variables over an extended period to examine changes over time.

Cross-Sectional - A study design that examines data from a population at one specific point in time, often to compare different groups.

Experiment - A research method that involves manipulating one or more independent variables to observe the effect on a dependent variable.

Correlational Study/Research - A non-experimental study that examines the relationship between two or more variables to determine if they are associated.

Quantitative Measures (such as Likert scales) - Methods of measuring variables that provide numerical data, often using scales (e.g., 1-5) to assess attitudes or behaviors.

Scientific Method - A systematic approach to inquiry that involves formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions.

Theory - A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence.

Hypothesis (falsifiable) - A testable prediction about the relationship between variables that can be supported or refuted through experimentation.

Replication - The process of repeating a study to determine whether the original findings can be consistently reproduced.

Peer-Reviewed Study - Research that has been evaluated by experts in the field before publication to ensure quality and credibility.

Population - The entire group of individuals or instances about whom a researcher wants to draw conclusions.

Random Sample - A subset of a population selected randomly, ensuring that every individual has an equal chance of being chosen.

Random Selection - A method of selecting individuals for a study in a way that each member of the population has an equal opportunity to be included.

Operational Definition - A clear and precise definition of a variable in terms of the specific procedures used to measure or manipulate it.

Experimental Group - The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention being tested.

Control Group - The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison with the experimental group.

Independent Variable = The variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable - The variable that is measured in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Confounding Variable - An extraneous variable that could influence the dependent variable, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions.

Experimentation - The process of conducting experiments to test hypotheses and explore relationships between variables.

Double Blind Study - A study design in which neither the participants nor the researchers know which participants are in the experimental or control groups to reduce bias.

Placebo Effect - The phenomenon in which participants experience real changes in their condition or symptoms simply because they believe they are receiving treatment.

Convenience Sampling - A non-random sampling method where participants are selected based on their availability and willingness to participate.

Random Assignment - The process of assigning participants to experimental and control groups using randomization to ensure each group is similar at the start of the experiment.

Hindsight Bias - The tendency to see events as having been predictable after they have already occurred, often referred to as the "I-knew-it-all-along" effect.

Sampling Bias - A type of bias that occurs when certain members of a population are systematically more likely to be selected for a study than others.

Experimenter Bias - A bias that occurs when a researcher's expectations or preferences influence the outcome of the study.

Social Desirability Bias - A tendency for participants to provide responses that they believe are socially acceptable or favorable rather than their true feelings or behaviors.

Confirmation Bias - The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs or hypotheses.

Overconfidence - A cognitive bias characterized by an individual's overestimation of their knowledge, skills, or abilities.