Test 1 (Intro to concepts) Flashcards
Definition of “behavior”
Observable actions in response to internal or external stimuli
What type of relationship do experiments seek to demonstrate?
Cause and effect
Two things that psychologists study
Behavior and cognitive processes
What is empirical evidence?
Evidence that has been gathered using the scientific method, including the use of observation and/or experimentation. It is still able to be obtained if the experiment is replicated and is typically quantitative evidence.
What is anecdotal evidence?
Evidence that has been observed from someone’s personal experience, or repeated from what they’ve heard others say. It is subjective and gathered in a non-scientific way.
Explain the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable
An independent variable is the factor that is changed in an experiment, and a dependent variable is the factor that is affected by that change.
What is a confounding (extraneous) variable?
Not controlled for by the design of the experiment
What is a theory in Psychology?
A theory in psychology is an attempt to explain a psychological phenomenon.
Why do psychologists apply conclusions to research in psychology?
Important to explain the findings of the research to explain the significance of the findings and their implications
Why should conclusions include “may” and “more likely”
Need to avoid generalizing because people are individuals and everyone is different. Therefore, it is not possible to say that everybody will behave in the same way. Studies are about averages and norms not saying everyone is the same
Cognitive Process
Cannot be seen directly. Can be conscious or unconscious.
Correlational Relationship
A correlation is what is identified if a cause and effect relationship cannot be established. It might show that there is some link between two variables but there will be bidirectional ambiguity (not clear whether one causes the other). There may also not have been control for other variables.
Types of Correlational Relationships
It can be a positive or negative relationship and the relationship can be strong or weak.
What do theories and studies have in common?
Based on a hypothesis and can be tested.
Bidirectional ambiguity
When it is impossible to know if x causes y, y causes x, or if they interact to cause behavior
