History of Psychology Overview

A research method where researchers observe individuals in their natural environment without manipulating any variables.

A research method where researchers study one or a few individuals in-depth over a long period of time.

The extent to which findings from a study can be generalized to other situations and populations.

A research method that involves collecting data through questionnaires or interviews.

The tendency for participants to behave differently when they know they are being observed.

A statement that cannot be proven false, often because it explains everything.

An objective observation that can be verified.

A testable explanation for an observation, often formulated as an 'if-then' statement.

A well-supported explanation for a phenomenon, based on multiple tested hypotheses and evidence.

A precise description of how something works, backed by extensive evidence.

Anything that can change or have different values

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment. It's what you're trying to find out.

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the experimenter. It's what you control.

Our initial understanding of the world based on personal experiences and observations, often helpful but can be unreliable.

A process used to validate and test theories and opinions through a systematic approach.

A hypothesis that cannot be disproven through any experiment, making it impossible to determine its accuracy.

The process of collecting and analyzing data from experiments to draw conclusions about a hypothesis.

A Hungarian physician who conducted a groundbreaking experiment on handwashing in a hospital setting, demonstrating its significance in preventing infections.

A potentially fatal condition that afflicted women during childbirth, believed to be caused by bad air, Semmelweis's research linked it to lack of handwashing.

The likelihood of observing the obtained results if the null hypothesis is true. A p-value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant, indicating a low probability of observing the results by chance.

The degree to which findings are meaningful or important in the real world. It considers the practical significance beyond statistical significance.

A statistical test that determines if there is a significant difference between the means of two groups.

The range of values within which the true population mean is likely to fall with a certain degree of confidence, usually 95%.

The principle that guides research involving human subjects to ensure their safety, well-being, and dignity. It emphasizes informed consent, minimizing harm, and protecting privacy.

A normal distribution is a bell-shaped curve that represents the probability of different data values. It's symmetrical and has a single peak at the mean.

Anecdotal evidence is based on personal experiences and observations, often presented as proof or evidence. It's not scientifically rigorous and can be biased or inaccurate.

Descriptive research aims to describe and understand a phenomenon without trying to establish cause-and-effect relationships. It involves methods like surveys and case studies.

Survival Bias is a form of bias where the evidence focuses on successful cases while ignoring unsuccessful ones, leading to an inaccurate or misleading representation.

A lurking variable is a hidden factor that can influence the relationship between two variables, potentially leading to misleading conclusions if not accounted for.

A leukotomy, also known as a lobotomy, is a surgical procedure that involves severing connections in the frontal lobe of the brain. It was once used to treat mental disorders but has been largely abandoned due to its serious side effects.

A histogram is a graphical representation of data that shows frequency distribution. It uses bars to represent data grouped into intervals.

A psychological approach that emphasizes the role of observable behaviors and learning through conditioning. It suggests that our actions are shaped by environmental factors, rewards, and punishments.

A learning process where behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences. Rewards increase the likelihood of behavior repetition, while punishments decrease it.

A psychological approach that emphasizes the importance of human potential, self-actualization, and conscious experience. It emphasizes personal growth, meaning, and the unique qualities of individuals.

A psychological approach that focuses on mental processes, such as perception, memory, attention, and language. It views the mind as a computer, processing information to influence behavior.

A branch of psychology that studies the influence of biological factors on behavior, including brain structure and function, genetics, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

A psychological approach that considers the influence of social and cultural factors on behavior. It recognizes the importance of societal norms, values, and contexts in shaping human actions.

A branch of psychology that applies psychological principles to real-world problems, such as mental health issues, education, and organizational behavior.

A field of psychology that focuses on developing and evaluating tests and assessments to measure psychological traits, abilities, and disorders. It involves designing standardized tests and analyzing data to understand individual differences.

A branch of psychology that studies how humans change and develop over their lifespan. It emphasizes the biological, cognitive, and social factors that influence growth and development, especially during childhood.

The tendency to believe that our own perception of the world is the accurate one, leading us to underestimate the influence of our biases and experiences.