Chapter 1 Flashcards
Hindsight bias
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
Overconfidence
We think we’re better than we really are (knowledge/abilities, anecdotes)
Scientific method
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)
Theory
Explains behaviors by organizing observations (bigger picture)
Hypothesis
Predictions that let us test a theory (specific predictions that fall from your theories, more specific)
Descriptive studies
Record and summarize behavior
Case study
Careful observation or formal testing of one individual (more in depth, mainly people or patients with mental disorders)
Pros of case study
Can examine variables that cannot be manipulated, generates ideas
Cons to case study
Subject may be unrepresentative, cannot make casual claims
Surveys
Ask people to self report their experiences, opinions, personal characteristics (questionnaire-describing what people think, more sensitive like drug use or alcohol use )
Wording effect
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)
Random sampling with surveys
Not asking a specific group or person
Pros to surveys
Examine variables that cannot be manipulated, lots of data quickly
Cons to surveys
Honesty and accuracy of reports, no causal claims (just describing)
Naturalistic observation
Observe and record behavior in its natural environment without intrusion
Pros to naturalistic observation
Examine variables that cannot be manipulated, see behavior “in the Wild”
Cons to naturalistic observation
No control, no causal claims
Correlational studies
Look at relationships, prediction (measures the strength and direction of the relationship)
Positive correlation
Variable increase/decrease together (ex. Attendance and grades or smoking and lung cancer) —direction
Negative correlation
One variable increases while another decreases (exercise and weight) —direction
Correlation coefficient
Statistic indicating strength of relationship
Range from 1 to -1 (closer to one=strongly correlated)
0= no relationship
0.5= moderate
Pros with correlation studies
Examine variables that cannot be manipulated -allows us to assess how one variable predicts another
Cons with correlational studies
Correlation doesn’t equal causation
Illusory correlations
Think 2 things are related but aren’t, perception of a inexistent relationship (ex. Lucky socks for a game- perform better with that item)
Confirmatory evidence
What happens fits with our beliefs
Disconfirming evidence
Forget to blame on socks
Experimental studies
Manipulating one variable and measuring the effects on a second variable with experiments
Independent variable
What the experimenter manipulates (the thing you are controlling) —- IV = I’m manipulating
Dependent variable
What is being measured (what you think is dependent on the value of the IV, the outcome)
Control condition
Control and experimental groups
Placebo
Makes the situation as similar as possible but doesn’t have active responses
Hold all else constant
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)
Pros with experimental studies
Can make causal claims
Cons with experimental studies
Lab setting may change behavior, some variables cannot be manipulated
