Behavioral Research Flashcards
Constitutive definition
Defines a construct using other constructs (e.g weight is the heaviness of an object)
Operational definition
Assigns meaning to a construct or variable by specifying activities or operations necessary to measure it and evaluate measurement
Two kinds of operational definitions
- Measured
2. Experimental
Measured operational definition
Describes how a variable will be measured
Experimental operational definition
Spells out details of investigator’s manipulations
Orthogonal axes
Two axes at right angle to each other
Abscissa
X axis
Ordinate
Y axis
Stimulus variable
Any condition or manipulation by the experiment of the environment that evokes a response in an organism.
Response variable
Any kind of behavior of the organism. For any behavior, there is a stimulus, so the behavior is the response.
R = f(O,S)
Responses are a function of the organism and stimuli. OR Response variables are a function of organismic variables and stimulus variables.
Organismic variable
Any property of an individual, any characteristic or attribute. Another name for attribute variable or subject-characteristic variable
Polytomy
A division of the members of a group into 3 or more subdivisions.
Polytomy
A division of the members of a group into 3 or more subdivisions.
Concept
An expression of an abstraction formed from generalization of particulars
Construct
A concept that has been formulated so that it can be used in science, defined that it can be observed and measured.
Variable
A property that can take on different values. A symbol to which values are assigned.
Constructs and words can be defined by
A. Other words or concepts.
B. Description of an implicit or explicit action or behavior
Active variable
Defined by manipulation. The experimenter has control over how the values change.
Attributive variable
Measured and cannot be manipulated. The experimenter has no control over the values of the variable.
Continuous variable
Capable of taking on an ordered set of values within a certain range.
Categorical variable
Can be assigned to a subclass or subset. Subclasses are distinct and non-overlapping. All objects put into the same category are considered to have the same characteristics.
Latent variable
Unobservable entities assumed to underlie observed variables
Intervening variables
Constructs that account for internal unobservable psychological processes that account for behavior. It cannot be seen but inferred from behavior.
Theory
- An abstraction, not reality. Best available explanation of a phenomenon at some point in time. Not static. Disprovable but not provable.
- A set of propositions defined by interrelated constructs.
- Outlines the nature of those interrelations (directional, moderation, etc.)
- Explains phenomenon (if we can explain it, we can predict it.)
Science
Systematic, planned, controlled, empirical, critical investigation into phenomenon guided by hypothesis and theories about relation between constructs. Ideally, it is a self-correcting, evolutionary process.
Is psychology inductive or deductive?
Inductive. We don’t have laws. Build to broader, general theories.
What is the problem with inductive logic as the basis for psychology?
Error. All samples will have error. Great effort to identify and minimize error.
