Psychology Chapter Two Flashcards
Define scientific method
A multistep technique that generates empirical knowledge–that is, knowledge derived from systematic observations of the world.
The four steps in the scientific method
1) Observe
2) Detect regularities
3) Generate a hypothesis
4) Observe
Descriptive research
Methods designed to observe and describe behavior
Reactivity
When behavior changes as a result of the observation process
External validity
The extent to which results generalize to other situations or are representative of real life
naturalistic observation
A descriptive research technique that records naturally occurring behavior as opposed to behavior produced in the laboratory.
Case study
A descriptive research technique in which the effort is focused on a single case, usually an individual.
Survey
A descriptive research technique designed to gather limited amounts of information from many people, usually by administering some kind of questionnaire.
Random sampling
A procedure guaranteeing that everyone in the population has an equal likelihood of being selected for a sample
Methods designed to observe and describe behavior
Descriptive research
A descriptive research technique that records naturally occurring behavior as opposed to behavior produced in the laboratory.
naturalistic observation
A descriptive research technique in which the effort is focused on a single case, usually an individual.
Case study
A descriptive research technique designed to gather limited amounts of information from many people, usually by administering some kind of questionnaire.
Survey
A procedure guaranteeing that everyone in the population has an equal likelihood of being selected for a sample
Random sampling
Psychological tests
Measure individual differences among people
Measure individual differences among people
Psychological tests
mean
The arithmetic average of a set of scores
mode
the most frequently occurring score in a set of scores
Median
the middle point in an ordered set of scores; half the scores fall at or below the median score, and half fall at or above the median score
Descriptive statistics
Mathematical techniques that help researchers describe their data
Inferential statistics
Mathematical techniques that help researchers decide whether data are representative of a population or whether differences among observations can be attributed to chance
Correlation
A statistic that indicates whether two variables vary together in a systematic way; correlation coefficients vary from +1.00 to -1.00
Experimental research
A technique in which the investigator actively manipulates the environment to observe its effect on behavior
A technique in which the investigator actively manipulates the environment to observe its effect on behavior
Experimental research
Purpose of Descriptive Method
Observing and describing behavior
Research tactics of the Descriptive Method (4)
1) naturalistic observation
2) case studies
3) survey research
4) psychological tests
Purpose of correlational method
Predicting and selecting behavior
Research tactics of the correlational method (1)
1) statistical correlations based on two or more variables
Purpose of the experimental method
determining why behavior occurs: establishing cause and effect
Research tactics of the experimental method (1)
1) Experiments manipulating the independent variable to note effects on the dependent variable
Confounding variable
An uncontrolled variable that changes along with the independent variable (messes up the experiment a little)
Internal validity
The extent to which an experiment has effectively controlled for confounding variables; internally valid experiments allow for the determination of causality.
Random assignment
A technique ensuring that each participant in an experiment has an equal chance of being assigned to any of the conditions in the experiment.
Single-Blind Study
Experimental participants do not know to which condition they have been assigned (e.g., experimental versus control); it’s used to control for participant expectancies.
Double-blind study
neither participants nor research observers are aware of who has been assigned to the experimental and control groups; it’s used to control for both participant and experimenter expectancies
Informed consent
The principle that before consenting to participate in research, people should be fully informed about any significant factors that could affect their willingness to participate
debriefing
at the conclusion of an experimental session, informing the participants about the general purpose of the experiment, including any deception that was involved
Confidentiality
the principle that personal information obtained from a participant in research or therapy should not be revealed without the individual’s permission
