Chapter 1 Flashcards
Theories
Sets of ideas that are used to explain a phenomenon and make predictions about behavior
Variables
Events characteristics or behaviors that can be measured.
Research design
A method for investigating how and whether the variable selected are related
Descriptive design
Provides basic information about variables in a population without making connections between behaviors, events, or conditions
Correlational design
Assessing how changes in one variable correspond with changes in another variable
Experimental design
Establishing a cause effect relationship between variables
Quasi experimental design
To infer a cause effect relationship between variables when the researchers cannot manipulate the independent variable
Case study
Descriptive design | examines a single individual and creates a rich picture of that individual psychological functioning
Ethnographic study
Descriptive design| closely examines a particular group through direct participation within the group
Correlation coefficient
A number between negative one and positive one that indicates a type in strength of the relationship between two variables
Randomly assigned participants to one of two groups, experimental, and control groups
Experimental design
Two variables with a -.56 indicates what type of correlation coefficient
It indicates a stronger connection
Cross-sectional studies
Quasi experimental research| examines two or more groups to compare behaviors
Longitudinal design
Quasi experimental research| The same group of people overtime repeatedly.
Sample
A smaller set of individuals from a population of interest
Random sample
Every person in a population of interest has an equal chance of being included
Volunteer bias
The tendency of those who choose to participate in research studies 
An independent variable
Variables that can be controlled or changed
Dependent variables
Facts about the samples that cannot be changed
Best practices
Evidence based strategies determined by science to help inform decisions
Minority group
The group that has less power than another group, even if the group is not smaller in number 
Ethnic group
People who share a similar culture
Racial group
People who share common biological traits
Socioeconomic status (SES)
Income based variable
Confirmation bias
The tendency for people to seek evidence that confirms what they already believed to be true
Belief perseverance
The tendency to continue or persevere in our beliefs, even when presented with contradictory evidence
Five diversity characteristics
Ethnic groups, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and disabilities
