Chapter 2 Scientific Method

Front 1

Scientific method

Back 1

An approach it through which psychologist systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behavior and other phenomena of interest

Front 2

Theories

Back 2

Broad explanations and predictions consignee Phenomenal of interest

Front 3

Hypothesis

Back 3

, Stemming from a Theory, stated in a way that allows it to be tested

Front 4

Operational definition

Back 4

The translation of a Hypothesis into specific, testable procedures that can be measured and observe

Front 5

Archival research

Back 5

Research in which existing data, such as Census documents, college records, online databases, and a newspaper clippings, are examined to test a Hypothesis

Front 6

Naturalistic observation

Back 6

Research in which an investigator observes some naturally occurring behavior and does not make a change in the situation

Front 7

Survey research

Back 7

Research in which people chosen to represent a larger population are as a series of questions about their behavior, thoughts, or attitudes

Front 8

Case study

Back 8

And in-depth, intensive investigation of an individual or small group of people

Front 9

Variables

Back 9

Behaviors, events, or other characteristics that can change, or very, in some way

Front 10

Correlation research

Back 10

Research in which the relationship between two sets of variables is examined to determine whether they are associated, or “correlated”

Front 11

Experiment

Back 11

The investigation of the relationship between two (or more) variables by deliberately producing a change in one variable in a situation and observing the effects of the change on other aspects of the situation

Front 12

Experimental manipulation

Back 12

The change that an experimenter deliberately produces in a situation

Front 13

Treatment

Back 13

The manipulation implemented by the experiment

Front 14

Experimental group

Back 14

Any group participating in an experiment that receives a treatment

Front 15

Control group

Back 15

A group of participating in an experiment that receives no treatment

Front 16

Independent variable

Back 16

The variable that is manipulated by an experiment

Front 17

Dependent variable

Back 17

The variable that is measured in an experiment. It is expected to change as a result of the experiment’s manipulation of the independent variable

Front 18

Random assignment to condition

Back 18

A procedure in which participants are assigned to different experimental groups or conditions on the basis of chance and chance alone

Front 19

Significant outcome

Back 19

Meaningful results that make it possible for researchers to feel confident that they have confirmed their hypothesis

Front 20

Replicated research

Back 20

Research that is repeated, sometimes using other procedures, settings, and groups of participants, to increase confidence in prior findings

Front 21

Informed consent

Back 21

A document signed by participants affirming that they have been the basic outlines of the study and are aware of what their participation will involve

Front 22

Experimental bias

Back 22

Factors that distort how the independent variable affects the dependent variable in an experiment

Front 23

Placebo

Back 23

A false treatment, such as a pill, drug, or other substance, without any significant chemical properties or active ingredient

Front 24

Parts of the scientific method

Back 24

Identify questions of interest

formulate an explanation

carry out research

communicate the findings