Chapter 2 Flashcards
Replicable Results
Results that anyone can obtain at least approximately by following the same procedures.
Meta-Analysis
Combines the results of many studies and analyzes them as though they were all one study.
Scientific Theory
More than a guess - an explanation or model that fits many observations and makes accurate predictions. Well substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed.
Falsifiable
Stated in such clear, precise, terms that we can see what evidence would count against it. We can imagine something that would count as evidence against the theory. A claim that can be true - in which case the claim will come up empty. That a falsifying observation will not occur.
Unfalsifiable
Could be true or could be false however there’s no possible observation evidence we could turn to in order to demonstrate the claim is false
Burden of proof
The obligation to present evidence to support ones claim. (in court if the persecution does not make a convincing case the defendant goes free.
Parsimony
(literally stinginess or Occamz razor ) given a choice among explanations that seem to fit the facts, we prefer the ones whose assumptions are fewer, simpler and more consistent with other well established theories. The easier and more scientifically excepted way to explain something.
Extrasensory Perception (ESP)
The facility of perceiving things by means other than the known senses (telepathy, clairvoyance)
Anecdotes
Reports of isolated events, but are not scientific evidence ( cherry picked)
Operational definition
a definition that specifies the operations uses to produce or measure something, ordinarily a way to give it a numerical value. (self report, observation, physiological)
Convenience Sample
Group chosen because its ease of study, easy to get but results may not generalize whole population.
Representative Sample
One that resembles the population. A subset of a statistical population that accurately reflects the members of the entire population. same percent male/female black/white
Random Sample
One in which every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, difficult but best suited for generalizing whole population
Cross-Culture Sample
Group of people from at least two cultures.
Naturalistic Observation
A careful examination of what happens under more or less natural conditions. Behavior under natural conditions.
Case history
A thorough description of a person, including abilities, disabilities medical condition, life history, unusual experiences and whatever else seems relevant. Detailed description of single individual; suitable for studying rare conditions.
Survey
A study of the prevalence of certain beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors based on peoples responses to questions.
Surveyor Bias
Sometimes an organization words the question of survey to encourage the answers they hope to receive.
Correlation
Is a measure of the relationship between two variables ( variable is anything measurable that differs among individuals, such as age, years of education, or reading speed)
Correlation Coefficient
A mathematical estimate of the relationship between two variables. A correlation coefficient of zero indicates no relationship. A coefficient of +1 or -1 is a perfect relationship
Scatter Plot
Each dot represents a given individual with one measurement for that individual on the x axis (horizontal) and another measurement on the y axis (vertical)
