Science & Stats Flashcards
What is ‘argument of authority’?
If someone important theorises something, even if it is not backed up by evidence and therefore incorrect, people will still believe it because it came from an authority figure. The opinion of an authority is used as evidence.
What is ‘ad hominem’?
Attacking the researcher instead of the evidence.
What is ‘appeal to antiquity’?
Claiming an idea is correct because it has existed for a long time.
What is the replication crisis?
Often, studies are not replicable - even if they are following the exact same method, the replicability is very low.
What are ‘weasel words’?
Vague or misleading information.
e.g. “scientists say that…”, “clinical studies have shown that…”, “this medicine may help with…”, “we have no plans to…”
What is the pragmatic fallacy?
Something is true because something else works.
e.g. “acupuncture works” - chi meridians are unblocked, “psychotherapy works” - talking about your childhood unlocks the unconscious
What is an anecdote?
An interpreted story, with little scientific validity and a very small sample size. Only details that are consistent with the explanation are recorded, and it becomes more biased over time with more retellings.
What is a correlational study?
A correlational study occurs when you have at least two measurements per participant. There is no manipulation, just measurement.
What is a case study?
A more scientific study than an anecdote, with a small sample size. All details are recorded. It consists of actual data and evidence and therefore is far scientifically superior to anecdotes.
How many IVs are randomly allocated in a true experiment?
all of them
How many IVs are randomly allocated in a quasi-experiment?
at least one
How many IVs are randomly allocated in a correlational study?
none
What is random allocation?
When participants are placed into a condition at random.
What is random selection?
When participants are chosen from the general population at random.
What is the difference between internal and external validity?
Internal validity relates to how certain we are that the changes in the IV caused the changes in the DV. External validity is the extent to which our results can be generalised to the greater population.
