Ch. 1 - Introducing Psychological Science Flashcards

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1
Q

psychology (2)

A
  • study of behaviour, thoughts, and experience (perception and memories)
  • scientific method
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2
Q

scientific method (3)

A
  • way of learning about the world through observations
  • starting predictions about how to best explain the observations
  • developing theories to explain the observations
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3
Q

hypothesis

A

a testable prediction about processes that can be observed and measured

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4
Q

points of hypothesis (4)

A
  • do NOT prove hypothesis
  • must be falsifiable
  • must be stated in precise and relevant terms
  • leads back to theory upon which it’s based
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5
Q

theory (4)

A
  • explanation for a broad range of observations that also generates new hypotheses and integrates numerous findings into coherent whole
  • built from hypothesis
  • must be falsifiable
  • can be updated with new info (more accurate)
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6
Q

points of theory (3)

A
  • NOT the same as opinions
  • all theories are not equally plausible
  • validity NOT determined by number of people who believe it to be true
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7
Q

critical thinking

A

exercising curiosity and skepticism when evaluating the claims of others, and with our own assumptions and beliefs

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8
Q

critical thinking for psychologists (4)

A
  • applying scientific method
  • examining assumptions and biases, both of others and our own
  • tolerating ambiguity when evidence is inconclusive
  • considering alternative viewpoints
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9
Q

principle of parsimony (3)

A
  • the simplest of all competing explanations of a phenomenon should be the one we accept
  • ex) abductions, ghost sightings, and other paranormal activities
  • alien movies, fantasies and false memories, sleep paralysis and hallucinations
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10
Q

empiricism

A

philosophical tenet that knowledge comes through experience

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11
Q

determinism

A

the belief that all events are governed by lawful, and cause-and-effect relationships

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12
Q

zeitgeist (2)

A
  • refers to a general set of beliefs of a particular culture at a specific time in history
  • delayed the science of psych
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13
Q

materialism

A

belief that humans, and other living beings, are composed exclusively of physical matter

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