Unit 2 Flashcards
Hindsight bias
The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have forseen it. (ik it all along)
Overconfidence
We tend to think we know more than we do.
Theory
An explanation using integrated set of principles that organize observations and predicts behaviors or events.
Group of ideas that help explain what we see and guess what will happen next
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Operational definition
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a research study.
(Definition of what exactly is being measured, ex. what does friendliness look like?”
Replication
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually w/ different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced.
Case study
A descriptive technique in which one individual/group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
Naturalistic observation
A descriptive technique of observing & recording behavior in naturally occurring situations w/o trying to manipulate/control the situation
Survey
A descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group
Sampling Bias
A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample
Population
All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn
Random sample
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
Correlation
A measure f the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other
Correlation coefficient
A statistical index of the relationship between 2 things (from -1:00 - 1:00)
Variable
Anything that can vary & is feasible & ethical to measure
Scatterplot
A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of Z variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the Z variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation.
Illusory Correlation
Perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship
Experiment
A research method in which an investigator investigates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior/ mental process
Regression toward the mean
The tendency for extreme or unusual scores on events to fall back (regress) toward the average
Experimental group
In an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment (to one version of the independent variable)
Control group
The group not exposed to the treatment, contrasts with/ the experimental group & serves as a comparison for evaluations the effect of the treatment
Random assignment
Randomly assigned people to be in experimental & control group
Double-blind procedure
An experimental procedure in which both of the research participants & the staff are ignorantly about whether the participants have received treatment or a placebo
Placebo
Experimental results caused by expectations alone
Confounding variable
A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s results
Dependent variable
The outcome that is measured, the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated
Validity
The extent to which a test or experiment measures/ predicts what it is supposed to.
Informed consent
Giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.
Debriefing
The post-experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions to its participants
Descriptive statistics
Numerical data used to measure and describe characteristics of groups. Includes measures of central tendency and measures of variation.
Histogram
A bar graph depicted a frequency distribution
Mode
The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distrubution
Mean
The average of a distribution (add all scores up, divide by number of scores)
Median
The middle score in a distribution
Skewed distribution
A representation of scores that lack symmetry around their average value (falls to one side of scale, very few on the other)
Range
The difference between the highest & lowest scores in a distribution
Standard deviation
A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score
Normal curve
Symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many data types: most scores fall near the mean, fewer near the extremes
Inferential statistics
Numerical data that allows one to generalize - to infer from sample data the probability of something being true of a population
Statistical significance
A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance
Meta-analysis
The statistical technique for combining effect size (results) from numerous studies on the same topic into a single effect size, compile data of what’s already been done
Informed Assent
If participant can’t consent, it must be obtained by a legal guardian
Falsifiable Hypothesis
A prediction can be disproven through observation or experimentation
Qualitative measurements
Non-numerical values to seek meaning
Quantitative Measurements
Used to gather numerical data to seek objective knowledge
Likert Scale
Participants rate statements
Experiment
Can control independent & dependent variable to emphasize bias (this causes that)
Correlation
Shows relationships
High effect size
Indicates a strong or dramatic impact
Medium effect size
Indicates a moderate impact
Low effect size
Indicates a slight impact
Scientific Method
A self correlating process for evaluation ideas w/ observation & analysis
Descriptive Methods
Describe behaviors, often by using case studies, surveys, or naturalistic observations
Representative Sample
A sample that represents the whole population being studied (with random sampling)
Wording effects
Subtle changes in wording can have major effects on results
Generalizability
The ability to apply results for an experiment to the general population
Confidentiality
Protects data in a trusted group
Anonymity
Complete privacy by preventing any link between responses (no idea who one person is. Ex. Person A)
Skewiness
A set of scores that is not equal (not the perfect bell curve)
Reliability
The extent to which a test yields consistent results
