Chapter 1 Vocab

Question 1

Hindsight bias

Answer 1

Believing (after you know the outcome) that you saw it coming

Question 2

Critical thinking

Answer 2

Not blindly accepting conclusions, rather investigating evidence (backed by science)

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Question 5

Operational definition

Answer 5

A statement of the procedures used to define research variables

Question 6

Replication

Answer 6

Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants/circumstances

Question 7

Case study

Answer 7

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

Question 8

Naturalistic observation

Answer 8

Observing behavior in naturally occurring situations w/o trying to manipulate/control the situation

Question 9

Survey

Answer 9

A technique for gathering self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group

Question 10

Population

Answer 10

All the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn

Question 11

Random sample

Answer 11

A sample that fairly represents a population bc each member had an equal chance of inclusion

Question 12

Correlation

Answer 12

A measure of the extent to which 2 factors vary together and how well either factor predicts the other

Question 13

Correlational coefficient

Answer 13

A statistical index of the relationship between 2 things (-1 to 1)

Question 14

Scatterplot

Answer 14

A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of 2 variables.

1) Slope = the direction of the relationship between the 2 variables
2) Amount of scatter = strength of correlation (little scatter = high correlation)

Question 15

Experiment

Answer 15

A research method in which the investigator manipulates one or more factors (IV) to observe the effect on some behavior/mental process (DV). Control other relevant factors.

Question 16

Experimental group

Answer 16

Group exposed to the treatment (IV)

Question 17

Control group

Answer 17

Group NOT exposed to the treatment; serves as comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

Question 18

Random assignment

Answer 18

Assigning participants to experimental/control groups by chance (minimize preexisting differences between those assigned to different groups)

Question 19

Double-blind procedure

Answer 19

Experimental procedure in which both the participants/staff are “blind” about whether the participants have received the treatment or the placebo (ex. Drug evaluation studies)

Question 20

Placebo effect

Answer 20

Experimental results caused by expectations alone

Question 21

Independent variable

Answer 21

Experimental factor that is manipulated; its effect is being studied

Question 22

Confounding variable

Answer 22

A factor other than the IV who might produce an effect in the experiment

Question 23

Dependent variable

Answer 23

The outcome factor

Question 24

Mode

Answer 24

The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution

Question 25

Mean

Answer 25

Arithmetic average of a distribution

Question 26

Median

Answer 26

The middle score in a distribution (half below & half above)

Question 27

Range

Answer 27

Difference between highest and lowest scores in a distribution

Question 28

Standard deviation

Answer 28

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score

Question 29

Normal curve

Answer 29

A symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of data. (most scores fall near the mean and fewer near the extremes)

Question 30

Statistical significance

Answer 30

A statistical statement of how likely it is that obtained result occurred by chance

Question 31

Culture

Answer 31

Enduring behaviors/ideas/values shared by a group of people and passed through generations

Question 32

Informed consent

Answer 32

An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether/not to participate

Question 33

Debriefing

Answer 33

The post experimental explanation of a study to participants (including its purpose and any deceptions)