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Myers AP Psychology 2nd Ed. Unit II terms Flashcards

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5028293113Hindsight BiasThe tendency to believe, after learning the outcome, that one would have foreseen it.0
5028311472Critical ThinkingThinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, assesses the source, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.1
5028332269TheoryAn explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.2
5028342357HypothesisA testable prediction, often implied by a theory.3
5028351258Operational DefinitionA carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a research study.4
5028356665ReplicationRepeating 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.5
5028378996Case StudyA descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.6
5028468861Naturalistic ObservationObserving and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.7
5028487282SurveyA technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random, sample of the group.8
5028508535Sampling BiasA flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample.9
5028514945PopulationAll those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.10
5028522435Random SampleA sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.11
5028530939CorrelationA measure of the extent to which 2 variables change together, and thus of well either variable predicts the other.12
5028557346Correlation CoeffiecentA statistical index of the relationship between two variables (from -1.0 to +1.0)13
5028568976ScatterplotA grouped cluster of dots, each which represents the values of two variables. Slope suggests the relationship between the variables.14
5028587732Illusory CorrelationThe perception of a relationship where none exists.15
5028596025ExperimentA research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process.16
5028613537Experimental GroupThe group exposed to the treatment in an experiment; one version of the independent variable.17
5028767446Control GroupThe group not exposed to the treatment in an experiment.18
5028776150Random AssignmentAssigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.19
5028794642Double-Blind ProcedureAn experimental procedure in which both research participants and the research staff are ignorant about whether the research participants have received the treatment or placebo. Commonly used in drug education studies.20
5028842064Placebo EffectExperimental results caused by expectations alone.21
5028849260Independent VariableThe experimental factor that is manipulated, the variable whose effect is being studied.22
5028861598Confounding VariableA factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in the experiment.23
5029087197Dependent VariableThe outcome variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.24
5029117556ValidityThe extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to do.25
5029124778Descriptive StatisticsNumerical data used to measure and describe characteristics of groups. Includes measures of central tendency and measures of variation.26
5029162475ModeThe most frequently occurring scores in a distribution.27
5029166716MeanThe arithmetic average of a distribution (add scores and divide by the number of scores)28
5029179157MedianThe literal middle score in a distribution29
5029186902Skewed DistributionA representation of scores that lack symmetry around their average value.30
5029225604RangeThe difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.31
5029359255Standard DeviationA computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.32
5029325995Normal CurveA symmetrical, bell-shaped curve tat descibes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (about 68% fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes.33
5029233175Inferential StatisticsNumerical data that allow one to generalize from sample data the probability of something being true of a population.34
5029261979Statistical SignificanceA statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.35
5029271057CultureThe enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted form one generation to the next.36
5029287741Informed ConsentThe ethical principle that research be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.37
5029302505DebriefingThe post-experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions to its participants.38

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