Modules 4 & 5 - The Scientific Method Flashcards
Hindsight Bias
The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (Also known as the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon.)
Critical Thinking
Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, assesses the source, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
Theory
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.
Operational Definition
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures.
Replication
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.
Case Study
A descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.
Naturalistic Observation
Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.
Survey
A technique for assessing the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.
Sampling Bias
A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample.
Population
All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (Note Except for national studies, this does not refer to a country’s whole population.)
Random Sample
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.
