Chapter 1.3 Intro to Psychology

A numerical indication of the magnitude and direction of the relationship between two variables.

correlation coefficient

A research strategy that allows the precise calculation of how strongly related two factors are to each other.

correlational study

The active process of minimizing preconceptions and biases while evaluating evidence, determining the conclusions that can reasonably be drawn from evidence, and considering alternative explanations for research findings or other phenomena.

critical thinking

Scientific procedures that involve systematically observing behavior in order to describe the relationship among behaviors and events.

descriptive research methods

Verifiable evidence that is based upon objective observation, measurement, and/or experimentation.

empirical evidence

Dr. Marlow is interested in drinking-and-driving behavior and wants to know the frequency with which people will drive after receiving feedback from a Breathalyzer test. In one condition, she sets up her equipment in a bar and administers the test to patrons who are leaving and planning to drive and then observes whether feedback on their level of intoxication influences their decision to drive. Dr. Marlow is using _________ research.

experimental (in a natural setting)

Method of investigation used to demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships by purposely manipulating a factor thought to produce change in a second factor.

experimental method

In the previous example, Dr. Marlow makes this prediction: The majority of people who are told that they are over legal limit will still drive; the higher the level on the Breathalyzer test, the more likely it is that they will drive. Dr. Marlow has formulated a __________.

hypothesis

Tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables, often states as a testable prediction or question.

hypothesis (definition)

To examine the overall trends in this particular area of research, Dr. Marlow pools the results of a number of similar studies with her own data and does a single analysis of the collective data. She has used a statistical technique called_________.

meta-analysis

Statistical technique that involves combining and analyzing the results of many research studies on a specific topic in order to identify overall trends.

meta-analysis (definition)

The systematic observation and recording of behaviors as they occur in their natural setting.

naturalistic observation

Precise description of how the variables in a study will be manipulated or measured.

operational definition

Fake or false science that makes claims based on little or no scientific evidence.

pseudoscience

To repeat or duplicate a scientific study in order to increase confidence in the validity of the original findings.

replicate

Dr. Marlow next writes a report describing the background of this research and details her research design, data collection methods, results, analyses, and conclusions. She submits her report to a respected psychology journal for peer review and publication. She is following step 4 by producing scientific evidence by _________.

reporting her findings

A selected segment that very closely parallels the larger population being studied on relevant characteristics.

representative sample

A set of assumptions, attitudes, and procedures that guide researchers in creating questions to investigate, in generating evidence, and in drawing conclusions.

scientific method

A mathematical indication that research results are not very likely to have occurred by chance.

statistically significant

After collecting data over many weeks, Dr. Marlow performs calculations and mathematical tests to see if her prediction was correct. Dr. Marlow is using ________ to analyze her data.

statistics

Branch of mathematics used by researchers to organize, analyze, and interpret data.

statistics

A tentative explanation that tries to integrate and account for the relationship of various findings and observations.

theory

Any factor that can vary, or change, in ways that can be observed, measured, and verified.

variable