AP Psychology Unit 2 Flashcards

Naturalistic Observation: Data collection method observing subjects in their natural environment without interference; aims to understand behavior in real-world contexts.
Control Group: Essential in experiments; this group doesn't receive the treatment being tested, allowing for comparison to the experimental group.
Hypothesis: A testable prediction that explores the relationship between variables, providing a foundation for experimental investigation.

Correlational Method: Assesses the degree to which two variables are related, but does not imply causation.
Critical Thinking: Important cognitive skill that involves evaluating arguments, uncovering hidden values, and assessing evidence to form judgments.
Falsifiability: A characteristic of scientific theories; asserts that a statement must be able to be proven false to be valid.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Occurs when a belief or expectation influences actions that ultimately lead to the expected outcome.

Dependent Variable: The outcome measured in an experiment, affected by changes in the independent variable.
Independent Variable: The manipulated factor in an experiment, believed to affect the dependent variable.
Extraneous Variables: Uncontrolled variables that may influence the dependent variable, confounding experimental results.

APA Ethical Guidelines (Human): Framework established by the American Psychological Association to protect participants, ensuring elements like informed consent, confidentiality, and minimal risk.
APA Ethical Guidelines (Animal): Similar guidelines for animal research focusing on humane treatment, legal acquisition, and minimizing suffering.

Random Assignment: Procedure to ensure every participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group, which helps enhance the validity of the experimental results.
Direct Observation: Method of gathering information by observing subjects in their usual environment without interference.

Statistical Significance: Indicates the likelihood that observed results are not due to chance; determined through hypothesis testing.
Meta-Analysis: Statistical approach that consolidates findings from multiple studies to reveal overarching patterns and relationships.

Co-efficient of Correlation: A value that measures the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables; ranges from -1 to +1.
Disadvantages and Advantages of Research Methods: Each research method has its strengths and weaknesses, impacting the choice of method based on research goals.