Psychology - Research Methods & Statistics

Front 1

Hindsight Bias

Back 1

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

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Theory

Back 2

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes and predicts observations.

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Hypothesis

Back 3

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

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Operational Definition

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

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Replication

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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.

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Case Study

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

Front 7

Survey

Back 7

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

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False Consensus Effect

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

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Random Sample

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

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Scatterplot

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A graphed cluster of dots.

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Correlation Coefficient

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A statistical measure of the extent to which two factors vary together.

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Naturalistic Observation

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

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Illusory Correlation

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The perception of a relationship where none exists.

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Experiment

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A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process.

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Double-Blind Procedure

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An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are blind about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo.

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Placebo Effect

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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.

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Mode

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The most frequently occurring score in a distribution.

Front 18

Mean

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

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Median

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

Front 20

Standard Deviation

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