Chapter 1

Question 1

Hindsight bias

Answer 1

I knew it all along (could have predicted it), after knowing the outcome it is easy to come up with arguments for why it occurred

Question 2

Overconfidence

Answer 2

We think we’re better than we really are (knowledge/abilities, anecdotes)

Question 3

Scientific method

Answer 3

Make observations (eventually become more formal and must keep track) , form theories, define theories (refine and change if necessary, replication- hard to find same results, show work)

Question 4

Theory

Answer 4

Explains behaviors by organizing observations (bigger picture)

Question 5

Hypothesis

Answer 5

Predictions that let us test a theory (specific predictions that fall from your theories, more specific)

Question 6

Descriptive studies

Answer 6

Record and summarize behavior

Question 7

Case study

Answer 7

Careful observation or formal testing of one individual (more in depth, mainly people or patients with mental disorders)

Question 8

Pros of case study

Answer 8

Can examine variables that cannot be manipulated, generates ideas

Question 9

Cons to case study

Answer 9

Subject may be unrepresentative, cannot make casual claims

Question 10

Surveys

Answer 10

Ask people to self report their experiences, opinions, personal characteristics (questionnaire-describing what people think, more sensitive like drug use or alcohol use )

Question 11

Wording effect

Answer 11

Look for strong wording (most people don’t agree with it and can push peoples judgements), subjects use anchors, subjects may not admit ignorance (clear enough that they don’t know what you mean, avoids people guessing)

Question 12

Random sampling with surveys

Answer 12

Not asking a specific group or person

Question 13

Pros to surveys

Answer 13

Examine variables that cannot be manipulated, lots of data quickly

Question 14

Cons to surveys

Answer 14

Honesty and accuracy of reports, no causal claims (just describing)

Question 15

Naturalistic observation

Answer 15

Observe and record behavior in its natural environment without intrusion

Question 16

Pros to naturalistic observation

Answer 16

Examine variables that cannot be manipulated, see behavior “in the Wild”

Question 17

Cons to naturalistic observation

Answer 17

No control, no causal claims

Question 18

Correlational studies

Answer 18

Look at relationships, prediction (measures the strength and direction of the relationship)

Question 19

Positive correlation

Answer 19

Variable increase/decrease together (ex. Attendance and grades or smoking and lung cancer) —direction

Question 20

Negative correlation

Answer 20

One variable increases while another decreases (exercise and weight) —direction

Question 21

Correlation coefficient

Answer 21

Statistic indicating strength of relationship

Range from 1 to -1 (closer to one=strongly correlated)
0= no relationship
0.5= moderate

Question 22

Pros with correlation studies

Answer 22

Examine variables that cannot be manipulated -allows us to assess how one variable predicts another

Question 23

Cons with correlational studies

Answer 23

Correlation doesn’t equal causation

Question 24

Illusory correlations

Answer 24

Think 2 things are related but aren’t, perception of a inexistent relationship (ex. Lucky socks for a game- perform better with that item)

Question 25

Confirmatory evidence

Answer 25

What happens fits with our beliefs

Question 26

Disconfirming evidence

Answer 26

Forget to blame on socks

Question 27

Experimental studies

Answer 27

Manipulating one variable and measuring the effects on a second variable with experiments

Question 28

Independent variable

Answer 28

What the experimenter manipulates (the thing you are controlling) —- IV = I’m manipulating

Question 29

Dependent variable

Answer 29

What is being measured (what you think is dependent on the value of the IV, the outcome)

Question 30

Control condition

Answer 30

Control and experimental groups

Question 31

Placebo

Answer 31

Makes the situation as similar as possible but doesn’t have active responses

Question 32

Hold all else constant

Answer 32

Random assignment-wash our preexisting differences

Single (participant doesn’t know what group they are in) and double blind procedures (the person assessing your behavior doesn’t know what group you are in)

Question 33

Pros with experimental studies

Answer 33

Can make causal claims

Question 34

Cons with experimental studies

Answer 34

Lab setting may change behavior, some variables cannot be manipulated