Psychology Basics Quiz

Study Notes

Theory: A structured collection of interrelated concepts aimed at explaining observed data coherently.
Hypothesis: A precise prediction regarding the expected outcomes of a single specific study.
Variables: Elements within a study that can vary or change.
Operational Definition: A specific method for measuring abstract variables by defining them concretely.
Replication: Repeating studies to assess the reliability of findings.

Empirical studies approach through:
- Experimental Research Methods: Involves manipulation and control for cause-effect conclusions.
- Descriptive and Correlational Research Methods: Observational strategies that do not manipulate variables.

Experiment: Involves manipulating one variable and observing changes in another under controlled conditions.
Independent Variable (IV): The variable manipulated in the experiment.
Dependent Variable (DV): The variable measured to assess the effect of the manipulation.
Accidental Variables: Uncontrolled variables that inadvertently influence the study.
- Extraneous Variables: Unintended variables that affect both experimental groups equally.
- Confounding Variables: Variables that unintentionally affect only one group, skewing results.

Experimental Group: Participants receiving the manipulation of the IV.
Control Group: Participants who do not receive the IV change, used for comparison.
- Ensures both groups are identical except for the experimental manipulation to make causal conclusions valid.

Advantages:
- Facilitates conclusions regarding cause-and-effect relationships.
Disadvantages:
- Potentially artificial setups may not reflect real-world situations.
- Ethical and practical challenges may limit research scope and design.