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.