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Psychology ch2
Chapter 2
Term | Definition |
---|---|
scientific method | an approach through which psychologists systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behavior and other phenomena of interest |
theories | broad explanations and predictions concerning observations of interest (gird framework for understanding unorganized facts and principles) |
hypothesis | a prediction, stemming from a theory, started in a way that allows it to be tested |
Operational definition | the translation of a hypothesis into specific, testable procedures that can be measured and observed |
Research | systematically inquiry aimed at the discovery of new knowledge and is a central ingredient of the scientific method in psychology |
Archival research | existing data are examined to test a hypothesis (census docs, college records, online data) |
naturalistic observation | an investigator observes some naturally occurring behavior and does not make a change in the situation |
survey research | peaople chosen to represent a larger population are asked a series of questions abt their behavior, thoughts or attitudes |
case study | an in depth, intensive investigation of an individual or a small group of people |
correlation research | the relationship between 2 sets of variables is examined to determine weather they are associated or correlated |
correlation or correlation coefficient | the strength nd direction of the relationship between the 2 variables, which can range from +1 to -1 |
positive correlation | as the value of one variable increases, so will the value of the other variable (higher temp, higher ice cream sales) |
negative correlation | as value of one variable increases, the other decreases (faster you drive, the sooner you arrive at your destination) |
Cross-sectional research | compares people of different ages at the same point in time (ex. intellectual ability of different ages? group of 20 yr olds, 40 yr olds, give them a test, get an average and compare age groups) |
Longitudinal research | investigates behavior as participants age (change in behavior over time) |