General Psychology Chapter 1

Survey

- A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitude or behaviors of people, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of them.

Case study

- An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Standard deviation

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.

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 between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).

Correlation

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other. The correlation of the relationships, ranging from -1 to +1.

Experiment

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process ( the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.

Random sample

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Operational definition

A statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures.

Statistical significance

A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Population

All the cases in a group, from which samples may be drawn for a study.

Double-blind procedure

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.

Theory

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Random assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance, this minimizing preexisting differences between those assigned to the different groups.

Placebo effect

Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition which is assumed to be an active agent.

Replication

Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.

Culture

The admiring behaviors. ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a large group of people and transmitted from one generation the next.

Mean

The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.

Control condition

The condition of an experiment that contrasts with the experimental condition and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

Experimental condition

The condition of an experiment that exposes participants to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

Independent variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Median

The middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it.

Mode

The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.

Dependent variable

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

Illusory correlation

The perception of a relationship where one exists.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.

False consensus effect

The tendency to overestimate the extent to which others share our beliefs and behaviors.

Critical Thinking

Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.

Naturalistic observation

observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.