Chapter 2: Methods Flashcards
Operational Definition
Description of a property in terms of some concrete observable event. (E.g. how often someone smiles can define how happy they are)
Validity
How well the concrete, observable event indicates the property (does a smile REALLY = happiness level?)
Reliability
The tendency for an instrument to produce the same measurement every time it is used to measure the same thing
instrument
Anything that can detect concrete, observable event to which an operational definition refers
Power
An instruments ability to account for small magnitudes of change (e.g. if you smile slightly more one day, it should get a different measurement)
Demand characteristics
Aspects of an observable setting that cause people to behave the way they think someone else expects
Naturalistic Observation
Technique for gathering scientific information by unobtrusively observing people in their natural environments
Double Blind Observation
True purpose is hidden from observer and observee
Self- selection
A problem that occurs when anything about a participant determines whether or not they will be included in the experimental or control group.
Theory
Hypothetical explanation of a natural phenomena
Rule of parsimony
Simplest prediction made by a theory
Hypothesis
Falsifiable prediction made by a theory
Empirical method
Set of rules and techniques used for observation
Reactivity
People/things act different when observed
Observer bias
Expectations can influence observations, and influence perceptions of reality
