Psychological Research - Ch. 2 Flashcards
Hindsight Bias
The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it
Case Study
An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
Survey
A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of people, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of them
Naturalistic Observation
Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other. The correlation coefficient is the mathematical expression of the relationship, ranging from -1 to +1
Experiment
A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effects on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant variables
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
Operational Definition
A statement of the procedures used to define research variables. (Ex. human intelligence – what an intelligence test measures)
Critical Thinking
Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions
Theory
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes and predicts observations
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Scientific Method
A self-correcting, collaborative process for asking questions and observing nature’s answers
