AP Chapter 1 Flashcards
Hindsight Bias
The tendency the believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (Also known as the “I know it all along phenomenon”)
Critical Thinking
Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values. evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
Theory
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.
Operational Definition
A statement of procedures (operations) used to define research variables. For example, human intelligence may be operationally define as “what an intelligence test measures”.
Replication
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.
Case Study
An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.
Naturalistic Observation
Observing and recording behaviour in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.
Survey
A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviours of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.
Population
All the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (Note: except for national studies, this does not refer to a countries whole population)
Random Sample
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.
Correlation coefficient
A statistical index of the relationship between two things (-1 to 1), 0 equals no relationship.
Scatterplot
A graphed cluster of dots, each represents value of two variables. Slope suggests direction of relation. Amount of scatter suggest strength of correlation.
Experiment
A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behaviour or mental process. By random sample, experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.
Experimental Group
Group exposed to the treatment (independent variable)
Control Group
Group not exposed to treatment, serves as comparison for evaluating effect of treatment.
Random Assignment
Assigning participants to control or experimental group by chance, reducing preexisting differences of participants.
Placebo
A fake pill
Double Blind Procedure
Experiment where neither research staff or participants are aware of which group has received placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.
Placebo Effect
Experimental result caused by expectation alone; any effect on behaviour caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which recipient assumes is an active agent.
Independent variable
The factor manipulated; variable whose effect is being studied.
Confounding Variable
A factor other than independent variable that might produce effect in an experiment (not a good thing)
Dependant variable
The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulation of independent variable.
Mode
Most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution
Mean
The arithmetic average of a distribution
Median
The middle score of a distribution, haft of scores are below, half are above.
Range
The difference between highest and lowest score in a distribution.
Standard deviation
A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.
Normal curve
A symmetrical, bell shaped curve that describes he distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near mean, less and less near extremes.
Statistical Significance
A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.
Culture
The enduring behaviour, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from generation to the next.
Informed Consent
An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.
Debriefing
The postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.
