Chp. 1 - Psych's Roots, Critical Thinking & Improvement Tools Flashcards
Independent Variable
Factor that is manipulated.
Dependent Variable
Variable that is measured, may change depending on the independent variable.
Confounding Variable
Factor outside of the study influencing events.
Placebo Effect
Results caused by expectations of result.
Experimental Group
Group exposed to treatment.
Control Group
Group not exposed to treatment.
Experiment
Researchers vary one or more factors to observe effects.
Correlation
Correlation does not equal causation. Methods that associate.
Debriefing
Talking about the study’s result and purposes of the study after the study ends, and disclosing any deceptions.
Informed Consent
Giving participants/clients enough info to allow them to choose whether or not they want to participate.
The Survey
Data collected via self report.
Naturalistic Observation
Observing and recording data in naturally occurring situations.
Case Study
One individual or group is studied in depth.
Theory
An explanation using principles that organize observations and makes predictions on behavior or events.
Replication
Ability to repeat the study with different participants and get the same results.
Operational Definitions
To check biases of researchers statement that defines exact procedures used in a researchers study.
Dual Processing
Our mind processes info at the same time, but on different tracks both the conscious and the unconscious.
Nurture vs. Nature
Controversial viewpoints on both sides over the influence of genes vs experience in terms of development of traits and behaviors. Most believe, it is a combination of the two.
Culture
Enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, Values, and traditions shared by a group of people and handed down from one generation to the next.
Biopsychosocial Approach
Biological, Psychological & Social-cultural.
Psychoanalytic Theory
Emphasized childhood experiences, consciousness and the unconscious.
Humanistic Psychology
Emphasized human growth potential, need for love and acceptance.
Cognitive Psychology
How do we perceive, process, and store information.
Structuralism, Functionalism & Behaviors
Focused on structures of the mind (Wundt). How does the mind function (James). Psychology viewed as an objective science, studying behavior (Skinner).
Critical Thinking
Does not blindly accept arguments or conclusion. It examines, evaluates, and questions to discover things that may be hidden.
