Chapter 1 Flashcards
conceptual definitions
The concept of the hypothesis that tells you precisely what it means
a priori predictions
Predictions about the outcome of an investigation that are made before the data are collected.
applied value
Criterion or standard for judging the scientific worth of a theory: An adequate theory is capable of providing creative solutions to problems that are of interest and concern to people.
case study
Research technique involving the intensive study of a single person over a long period of time in order to understand his or her unique behavior.
comprehensiveness
Criterion for judging the worth of a scientific theory: Theories are judged as more adequate and useful if they encompass and account for a wide range and variety of phenomena.
control group
In an experiment, the group that does not receive the experimental treatment. A control group is designed to provide baseline data against which the effects of the experimental manipulation on the dependent variable can be accurately judged.
correlation coefficient
A numerical index of the size and direction of an association between two variables.
correlational method
General procedure for establishing an association or relationship between events. Statistics involving correlations can vary in complexity from simple correlation coefficients to complicated factor analyses.
cortisol
An adrenal-cortex hormone that is generated by any kind of physical or psychological stress. Higher cortisol levels are indicators of greater stress.
debriefing
Informing study participants of the true nature and purpose of a study after it is completed.
deductive theories
Theories in which specific hypotheses are derived from abstract propositions and then tested by the collection of data.
dependent variables
Changes in behavior that occur as a result of the manipulation of conditions by an experimenter.
empirical evidence
Observations of phenomena made by investigators.
empirical validity
Criterion for judging the worth of a scientific theory: Does the data support the hypothesis? If yes, it supports to the theory; if not, especially repeatedly repeated, tends eventually to decrease confidence in the theory.
experimental group
The group of study participants who experience the intentional alteration of factors in an experiment.
experimental method
Scientific method for studying cause-and-effect relationships between variables. It involves the manipulation of independent variables and observation of the effects of the manipulation on dependent variables.
heuristic value
Criterion for judging the scientific worth of a theory: An adequate theory should be challenging; it should stimulate new ideas and new research.
hypotheses
Tentative theoretical statements about how events are related to one another, often stated as predictions about how the operation of one set of events will affect the operation of others.
independent variables
The variables actively manipulated by the experimenter so that their effects on individual behavior can be observed.
inductive theories
Generalizations or summary statements about phenomena derived from a set of facts.
informed consent
The practice of telling study participants about the nature of their participation in a proposed experiment and then obtaining their written agreement to participate.
law of effect
The principle that a behavior becomes more likely when it is followed by a positive reinforcer or the removal of a negative stimulus, whereas it becomes less likely when it is followed by a punisher or the removal of a positive reinforcer.
laws
Systematic and highly reliable associations between variables.
longitudinal studies
Studies in which data are collected on the same individuals over time so that investigators can determine the direction and extent of changes in their behavior.
multiple correlation
Statistical technique by which it is possible to determine the relationship between one variable and a combination of two or more other variables simultaneously.
operational definitions
How an operation or construct is defined. How to measure a concept
parsimony
Criterion for judging the scientific worth of a theory: An adequate theory should be as parsimonious, or economical, as possible, while still adequately accounting for the phenomena in its domain.
partial correlation
A correlational technique that allows an investigator to assess the relationship between two events by eliminating, or partialing out, the influence of other variables.
personality
The term used by personality psychologists to describe the uniqueness of the individual. Personality involves judgments regarding who the person truly is and how she or he differs from other people. Particular biological tendencies and social and cultural learning experiences combine to determine the person’s uniqueness.
post hoc explanation
Explanation of a phenomenon given after its occurrence. The explanation presumes that certain factors caused the phenomenon, but there is no evidence that they actually did so.
postulates
Fundamental or core assumptions of a theory. They are taken as self-evidently true in order to provide a clear and focused direction for theorizing and research. They specify which phenomena will be addressed by the theory and which won’t be addressed.
precision
Criterion for judging the scientific worth of a theory: An adequate theory should contain constructs and relational statements that are clearly and explicitly stated and measured.
propositions
General statements that may be true or false. They are not tested directly; instead, hypotheses are derived from them.
psychological construct
A highly complex abstraction that encompasses a variety of components or dimensions. For example, intelligence is a construct that encompasses reasoning ability, spatial ability, mechanical ability, mathematical ability, and so forth.
relational statements
Theories or hypotheses that link or relate constructs. For example, the constructs of frustration and aggression might be linked as follows: Increases in frustration lead to increases in aggressive behavior.
replication
Duplication or repetition of an experiment or study to determine whether or not the original findings are reliable.
self-affirmation theory
A theory which postulates that each of us strives to maintain a view of ourselves as morally adequate and that we respond to any threat to our self-integrity by trying to restore or reaffirm it.
self-affirmation theory
A theory which postulates that each of us strives to maintain a view of ourselves as morally adequate and that we respond to any threat to our self-integrity by trying to restore or reaffirm it.
statistical significance
A numerical index of the probability that a particular result occurred by chance.
testability
Criterion for judging the scientific worth of a theory: An adequate theory must contain hypotheses that can be defined clearly, measured precisely, and confirmed or disconfirmed in terms of observable events.
theory
A number of interrelated conceptual statements that are created by investigators to account for a phenomenon or a set of phenomena.
Why Study Personality?
To study the differences in decisions and actions between ourselves and others. Why do people do what they do.
-To generate explanations for the behaviors we observe and possibly to control them.
-Also each titan had their own way of looking at personality differently
What is science concerned with?
the description, explanation, prediction, and control of events to study problems encountered by humans to create systemized knowledge on the observation of phenomena.
Major Propositions of Steels Self Affirmation theory
(1) Any cognitions, beliefs or information that challenges the integrity of the self and its moral/competence adequacy will arouse a defense to reaffirm the self and
(2) the defense can be reduced if the sense of threat is reduced
Major Postulates of Steels Self Affirmation Theory
(1) Each of us has a unique self and
(2) our goal is to maintain this view of ourselves as morally adequate, good, stable, coherent and capable of good choices. Basically a positive sense of self.
(Id argue that people will also try to maintain a negative view of self in the case of mental illness)
