Scientific Thinking
What are the 3 parts of the scientific attitude?
Curiosity, Skepticism, Humility
Testable prediction =
Hypothesis
Entire group being studied =
Population
Correlation means →
Relationship between variables
Fake treatment =
Placebo
What is critical thinking?
Evaluating evidence, questioning assumptions, checking bias
Explanation that organizes observations =
Theory
Everyone has equal chance =
Random Sample
Does correlation prove causation? Why?
No, because 2 things can happen at the same time and not cause the other to happen
Participants don’t know their group =
Single-blind
Why is psychology a science?
Uses observation, experimentation, evidence
Study of one person/group =
Case study
Unfair sample=
Sampling bias
Variable you change →
Independent Variable
Participants + researchers don’t know =
Double-blind
What is skepticism?
Questioning claims and asking for proof
Watching behavior in natural setting =
Naturalistic observation
Easy-to-access participants =
Convenience sample
Variable you measure →
Dependent variable
Average score =
Mean
Name ONE roadblock to critical thinking and explain it.
Hindsight bias / Overconfidence / Seeing patterns
Why can’t case studies apply to everyone?
Not generalizable (too small/specific)
Why does wording matter in surveys?
Can influence answers (bias results)
Give an example showing correlation ≠ causation
Ice cream sales and shark attacks both increase during the summer
Why is informed consent important?
Participants must agree and understand risks