Unit one vocab Flashcards
hindsight bias
the tendency to believe, after learning an out come, that one would have for seen it. (I-knew-it- all-along phenomenon)t
theory
an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors of events.
Hypothesis
a testable prediction often implied by a theory
operational definition
a carefully worded statement of exact procedures used in a research study.
replication
repeating a study to test if it was accurate the first time they did it.
case study
descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in dept in the hope of revealing universal principles.
Naturalistic observation
A descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate or control the situation.
Survey
A descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particle 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 of 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 two things (from -1.00 to +1.00)
Variable
Anything that can carry and in=a feasible and ethical to measure
(Something that can be measured)
Scatter plot
A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation)
Illusory correlation
Perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger than actual relationship
Regression towards the mean
The tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back toward the average
Experiment
A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to find the result of something they are trying to test.
Experimental group
The group that is exposed to the thing that is being tested
Control group
Is the group that is not exposed to the thing that is getting tested.
Random assignment
Assigning participants to experimental and control groups randomly
Double-bind procedure
Both research participants and he research staff does not know who received the treatment and who received the placebo
Placebo
Experimental results caused by expectations alone.
Confounding variable
(Confounding = close to)
A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence the study’s result
Dependent variable
The outcome that is measure in an experiment
Informed consent
Giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable them to choose whether or not to participate
Debriefing
Post Experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose
Descriptive statistics
Numerical data used to measure and describe characteristics of groups
Histogram
A bar graph depicting a frequency distribution