Psych Vocab

  1. Lab experiments: Controlled experiments conducted in a laboratory setting to investigate cause-and-effect relationships.
  2. Field experiments: Experiments conducted in real-world settings outside the lab to study behavior in its natural context.
  3. Independent measures design: Using separate groups of participants for each condition in an experiment.
  4. Repeated measures design: Employing the same participants in all experimental conditions.
  5. Matched pairs: Assigning participants to conditions based on pre-existing characteristics that are relevant to the study.
  6. Self-report questionnaires: Surveys where participants answer questions about their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
  7. Self-report interviews: Interviews in which participants verbally answer questions about themselves.
  8. Case studies: In-depth analysis of a single individual or small group, often used to gain insight into complex phenomena.
  9. Quantitative data: Numerical data that can be analyzed using statistical methods.
    1. Qualitative data: Non-numerical data that involves descriptions, narratives, and interpretations.
    2. Open-ended questions: Questions that allow for varied, unrestricted responses.
    3. Closed-ended questions: Questions with predetermined response options (e.g., multiple-choice).
    4. Structured interviews: Interviews with predetermined questions and response formats.
    5. Unstructured interviews: Interviews with flexible, open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses.
    6. Overt: Observable behaviors or actions that are evident to researchers.
    7. Covert: Hidden behaviors or actions that are not directly observable.
    8. Naturalistic observation: Studying subjects in their natural environment without manipulation.
    9. Controlled observation: Observing subjects in a controlled environment to control variables.
    10. Correlations: Relationships between variables without implying causation.
    11. Longitudinal studies: Observing the same subjects over an extended period to track changes.
    12. Aim: The goal or purpose of a research study.
    13. Hypothesis: A testable prediction or statement about the relationship between variables.
    14. Independent variable: The variable manipulated by the researcher.
    15. Dependent variable: The variable measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.
    16. Operational definition: Clearly defining how a variable will be measured or manipulated.
    17. Controlled variables: Factors kept constant to prevent them from affecting the outcome.
    18. Uncontrolled variables: Factors that could influence the results but are not controlled.
    19. Participant variables: Individual differences among participants that can affect the results.
    20. Situational variables: Environmental factors that can influence behavior.
    21. Standardised procedure: A uniform method followed in every aspect of a study.
    22. Subjective data: Information influenced by personal opinions and biases.
    23. Objective data: Information based on facts and observable phenomena.
    24. Opportunity sample: Participants selected based on availability.
    25. Volunteer sample: Participants who self-select to participate in a study.
    26. Random sample: Participants chosen randomly from a larger population to increase representativeness.
    27. Ethics: Principles guiding the responsible conduct of research and treatment of participants.
    28. Validity: The extent to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure.
    29. Reliability: The consistency and stability of research results over time.
    30. Ecological validity: The extent to which study findings apply to real-world settings.
    31. Mundane realism: The degree to which a study's setting resembles real life.
    32. Demand characteristics: Cues that influence participants to respond in a certain way.
    33. Generalisability: The ability to extend research findings to other populations or situations.
    34. Likert scale: A survey rating scale that measures attitudes or opinions on a numeric scale.
    35. Inter-rater reliability: The level of agreement between different observers' measurements.
    36. Inter-observer: Similar to inter-rater reliability, the consistency between different observers' measurements.
    37. Replicable: The ability of a study to be repeated and yield consistent results.
    38. Measure of central tendency: Statistical measures indicating the center of a data set (mean, median, mode).
    39. Mean: The average value of a data set.
    40. Median: The middle value in a data set when arranged in order.
    41. Mode: The most frequently occurring value in a data set.
    42. Range: The difference between the highest and lowest values in a data set.
    43. Standard deviation: A measure of the dispersion or spread of data around the mean.
    44. Bar chart: A graphical representation using bars to show data distribution.
    45. Histogram: A bar chart depicting the frequency distribution of a continuous variable.
    46. Scatter graph: A plot displaying the relationship between two variables using dots.
    47. Random allocation: Assigning participants to different conditions randomly to control bias.
    48. Placebo: A substance or treatment with no therapeutic effect, often used in control groups.
    49. RTW (right to withdraw): Participants' ability to leave a study at any time without penalty.
    50. Privacy: Safeguarding participants' personal information and data.
    51. Null hypothesis: A statement of no effect or no difference between groups.
    52. Directional hypothesis: Predicts a specific direction of change in the variables.
    53. Non-directional hypothesis: Predicts a relationship between variables without specifying a direction.
    54. Confidentiality: Protecting participants' identities and data from being disclosed.
    55. Social desirability bias: Participants responding in a way they believe is socially acceptable.
    56. Debrief: Informing participants about the study's purpose and addressing any concerns.
    57. Informed consent: Participants' voluntary agreement to participate after being informed about the study.
    58. Confounding variable: An uncontrolled variable that affects the dependent variable and introduces error.
    59. Internal validity: The extent to which a study accurately identifies causal relationships.
    60. External validity: The generalizability of research findings to other settings or populations.