Wk 5-12 Flashcards
Empirical evidence
Scientific evidence provided by published peer review research.
Experimental evidence
The experimenter/researcher controls/manipulates the variable(s) under investigation.
Parsimony
A hypothesis/theory that explains the situation in the simplest and economical terms
Operationalisation of variables
How you measure the variable of interest such as aggression.
Falsifiability
A hypothesis where you state conditions, or tests, under which the belief could be tested and even possibly disproved.
Hypothesis
A testable explanation(s) of the relationship between two (or more) events or variables.
Generalisation
A form of inductive reasoning in which general statements are made about a target population based on observing a sample of that population.
Sample
A subset drawn from the population of interest to a study.
Population
All people of interest to a study.
Independent variable
Presumed cause in an experiment.
Dependent variable
Presumed effect in an experiment.
Correlation
The relationship between two or more variables arising from the scientific investigation of a testable hypothesis.
Causation
A causes B Where no other variable is involved.
Perceiving
- Selecting sensations to pay attention to
- Organising sensations into design/patterns
- Interpreting what the above pattern/event means
Believing
Interpretations, evaluations, conclusions or predictions about the world that we endorse to be true.
Inferences
Going beyond factual information to describe/predict what is currently known.
Judgements
Evaluating event(s)/individual(s) based on certain criteria/standard(s) that you believe.
Stage 1 Thinking
Individuals see the world in absolute terms of black and white/right or wrong as told to them by the authorities .
Stage 2 Thinking
All opinions are the same level as authorities who are fallible.
Stage 3 Thinking
Individuals with an open mind who accept perspectives that are supported by persuasive reasons and evidence.
Introspection
A form of self deception where an individual examines their own conscious thoughts and feelings.
Placebo effect
If treatment and placebo group show comparable outcomes.
Treatment effect
If treatment group shows a better outcome than placebo and Control group.
Treatment group
A group of individuals who have been randomly selected to receive the treatment.
Control group
A group do individuals who have been randomly selected to receive a placebo, or no treatment at all.
Causal chain
Where one situation leads to another and another , where it is hard to define the real cause.
Contributory causes
A number of simultaneous causes contribute to final effect
Interactive causes
Variables may influence (and are influenced ) by other variables in a reciprocal fashion.
Deontological reasoning
Moral reasoning from moral norms ( or universally accepted rules).
Utilitarian reasoning
Moral reasoning based on the consequences of the situation.
Virtue ethics
Moral reasoning based on upholding positive character traits.
Social Intuitionist model
Moral reasoning based on automatic processes such as intuition.
Inductive reasoning
Reasoning from specific observation to more generalised conclusions.
Deductive reasoning
Reasoning from known general reasons to specific traits.
Hasty generalisation
Making a general conclusion based in a small and non-representative sample.
Sweeping generalisation
Making a general conclusion which is incorrect in a specific instance.
False dilemma
Making a general conclusion by being forced to choose between two extreme examples only.
Questionable cause
A causal fallacy where a causal relationship is attributed for which no real evidence exists.
Misidentification of cause
A casual fallacy where it is difficult to establish what is the cause and what is the effect
Post hoc ergo prompter hoc
A causal fallacy where one assumes that because two things occurred close in time to one another, the first event caused the second.
Slippery slope
A casual fallacy where one action leads inevitably to a cascade of subsequent outcomes.
Fallacies of relevance
Arguments the rely on factors that have little or nothing to do with the argument being made.
Syllogisms
Argument form that consists of two supporting premises and a conclusion.
Random sampling
Every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen for the study.
Naturalistic observation
A descriptive study that makes use of real-life situations, needing systematic observation.
Double blind procedure
Bother participants and experimenter do not know which group receives the drug and who receives the placebo.
Spontaneous remission
Some diseases/illnesses resolve on their own.
Worried well
People who seek treatment when they are not ill and hence are “cured” but not of anything.
Argument
Using thinking where certain statements or reasons are given to sport another statement or conclusion.
Valid argument
Where the reasons offered support the conclusion that is made.
Application of a general rule
A valid syllogism where Premise 1 makes a general claim about a certain class of people (A); Premise 2 states that an individual X is a member of A; Conclusion: Therefore, Premise 1 is true of individual X.
Scientist-practitioner model
Represents the ethical responsibility of psychologists who are trained to critically evaluate empirical research in order to deliver scientifically proven interventions/strategies for their clients.
