Other psych terms and information: Flashcards
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 can be
reproduced.
case study:
a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied
in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.
naturalistic observation:
a descriptive technique of observing and recording
behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and
control the situation.
survey:
a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or
behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random
sample of the group.
random sample:
a sample that fairly represents a population because each
member has an equal chance of inclusion.
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.)
correlation:
a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and
thus of how well either factor predicts the other.
correlation coefficient:
a statistical index of the relationship between two
things (from −1.00 to +1.00)
variable:
anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure.
scatterplot:
a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of
two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship
between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the
correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).
illusory correlation:
perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving
a stronger-than-actual relationship.
regression:
toward the mean the tendency for extreme or unusual scores or
events to fall back (regress) toward the average.
experiment:
a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or
more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or
mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of
participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.
experimental group:
in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment,
that is, to one version of the independent variable.
control group:
in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment;
contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for
evaluating the effect of the treatment
random assignment:
assigning participants to experimental and control
groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different
groups.
double-blind procedure:
an experimental procedure in which both the
research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether
the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.
placebo:
[pluh-SEE-bo; Latin for “I shall please”]
effect:
experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on
behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which
the recipient assumes is an active agent.
independent variable:
in an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the
variable whose effect is being studied.
confounding variable:
a factor other than the factor being studied that might
influence a study’s results.
dependent variable:
in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the
variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.
informed consent:
giving potential participants enough information about a
study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.
debriefing:
the post experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose
and any deceptions, to its participants.
standard deviation:
a computed measure of how much scores vary around
the mean score.
statistical significance:
a statistical statement of how likely it is that an
obtained result occurred by chance
adrenal [ah-DREEN-el] glands:
a pair of endocrine glands that sit just above
the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that help
arouse the body in times of stress
lesion [LEE-zhuhn]:
tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or
experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.
electroencephalogram (EEG) :
an amplified recording of the waves of
electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are
measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.
magnetoencephalography (MEG):
a brain-imaging technique that measures
magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity.
cerebral [seh-REE-bruhl] cortex:
the intricate fabric of interconnected neural
cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and
information-processing center.
somatosensory cortex:
an area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers
and processes body touch and movement sensations
association areas:
areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary
motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions
such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.
