psychological research (3) 🎀 Flashcards
psychology
scientific study of behavior and mental processes
nature vs. nurture
nature refers to how genetics influence an individual’s personality, whereas nurture refers to how their environment (including relationships and experiences) impacts their development
scientific method
a method of learning about the world through the application of critical thinking and tools such as observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis
theory
an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes and predicts observations
hypothesis
a testable prediction, often implied by a theory
operational definition
a statement of procedures (operations) used to define research variables. (ex: memory may be defined as “number of words correctly recalled from a list”)
archival research
use of existing records to answer various research questions
naturalistic observation
accurately observe and record behavior in the environment in which it normally occurs
survey method
series of questions asked to the respondents in order to understand their thought processes and mental state
case study
use of a descriptive research approach to obtain an in-depth analysis of a person, group, or phenomenon
correlation research
researcher measures two variables and assesses the statistical relationship
experiment
research method in which the researcher manipulates and controls certain variables to observe the effects on other variables
control group vs. experimental group
(not) exposed to independent variable
independent variable
variable that the researcher will actively manipulate and, if the hypothesis is correct, that will cause a change in the dependent variable
dependent variable
variable that should show the effect of the independent variable
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
validity
assumes that the test in question measures precisely what it aims to measure
ethics
thinking about reasons in terms of values
placebo
inactive substance or condition administered used to control for confounding variables
stanford prison experiment
a two-week simulation of a prison environment that examined the effects of situational variables on participants’ reactions and behaviors - good people can be transformed into perpetrators of evil
