Week 1: Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods Flashcards
What is psychology?
The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes.
What are the main goals of psychology?
To describe, explain, predict, and influence behaviour.
What is a hypothesis?
A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
What is an independent variable?
The variable that is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.
What is a dependent variable?
The variable that is measured to see the effect of the independent variable.
What is a control group?
A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment, used for comparison.
What is a case study?
An in-depth analysis of an individual or small group.
Define “naturalistic observation.”
Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.
What is a survey?
A research method that collects data from participants through questionnaires or interviews.
What is a correlation?
A measure of the relationship between two variables.
What does a positive correlation indicate?
As one variable increases, the other also increases.
What does a negative correlation indicate?
As one variable increases, the other decreases.
What is the purpose of random sampling?
To ensure every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected for the study.
What is random assignment?
Assigning participants to experimental or control groups by chance to reduce bias.
What is the placebo effect?
A change in behavior due to participants’ expectations, not the treatment itself.
What is informed consent in research?
The process of informing participants about the study and obtaining their voluntary participation.
Define “longitudinal study.”
A study that follows the same group of people over a period of time to observe changes.
What is cross-sectional research?
A study that compares people of different ages at one point in time.
Who is considered the father of psychology?
Wilhelm Wundt, who established the first psychology lab in 1879.
What is the focus of behaviourism?
The study of observable behavior and the effects of learning and environment.
What is a theory?
A broad explanation of a set of observations or phenomena.
What is the experimental method?
A research method that involves manipulating an independent variable to determine its effect on a dependent variable.
What is observer bias?
When a researcher’s expectations influence the outcome of a study.
Define “double-blind study.”
A study where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the treatment, reducing bias.
What is operationalisation in research?
Defining variables in practical, measurable terms.
