Psychology Ch 1
statistics
A branch of mathematics used by researchers to organize, summarize, and interpret data.
variable
A factor that can vary, or change, in ways that can be observed, measured, and verified.
statistically significant
A mathematical indication that research results are not very likely to have occurred by chance.
operational definition
A precise description of how the variables in a study will be manipulated or measured.
survey
A questionnaire or interview designed to investigate the opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a particular group.
correlational study
A research strategy that allows the calculation of how strongly related two factors are to each other.
sample
A selected segment of the population used to represent the group that is being studied.
representative sample
A selected segment that very closely parallels the larger population being studied on relevant characteristics.
scientific method
A set of assumptions, attitudes, and procedures that guide researchers in creating questions to investigate, in generating evidence, and in drawing conclusions.
meta-analysis
A statistical technique that involves combining and analyzing the results of many research studies on a specific topic in order to identify overall trends.
theory
A tentative explanation that tries to integrate and account for the relationship of various findings and observations.
hypothesis
A tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables; a testable prediction or question.
case study
An intensive study of a single individual or small group of individuals.
pseudoscience
Fake or false science that makes claims based on little or no scientific evidence.
random selection
Process in which participants are selected randomly from a larger group such that every group member has an equal chance of being included in the study.
longitudinal design
Research strategy in which a variable or group of variables are studied in the same group of participants over time.
cross-sectional design
Research strategy in which individuals of different ages or developmental stages are directly compared.
descriptive research
Scientific procedures that involve systematically observing behavior in order to describe the relationship among behaviors and events.
naturalistic observation
The systematic observation and recording of behaviors as they occur in their natural setting.
confirmation bias
The tendency to seek out evidence that confirms an existing belief while ignoring evidence that might contradict or undermine the belief.
replicate
To repeat or duplicate a scientific study in order to increase confidence in the validity of the original findings.
empirical evidence
Verifiable evidence that is based upon objective observation, measurement, and/or experimentation.