describing research
Research that is designed to solve real world problems
Applied research
Facts and figures gathered from observations in research
Data
The process used to demonstrate that particular behavioral events will occur reliably in certain specifiable conditions; a principal tool of the scientific method
Experimentation
A specific set of antecedent conditions created by the experimenter and presented to subject to test its effect on behavior
treatment (condition)
The relation between a particular behavior and a set of antecedents that always precedes it-whereas other antecedents do not-so that the set is inferred to cause the behavior.
Cause and Effect Relationship
Research designed to test theories or to explain psychological phenomena
Basic Research
The systemic gathering of data to provide descriptions of events taking place under specific conditions, enabling researchers to explain, predict, and control events.
science
the systematic noting and recording of events; a principal tool fo the scientific method
observation
The scientific term for an individual who participates in research.
Subject
A set of general principles that attempts to explain and predict behavior or other phenomena.
Theory
A controlled procedure in which at least two different treatment conditions are applied to subjects whose behaviors are then measured and compared to test a hypothesis about the effects of the treatments on behavior
Psychology experiment
Data that are observable or experienced; capable of being verified or disproved through investigation
empirical data
The systematic estimation of the quantity, size or quality of an observable event; a principal tool of the scientific method.
measurement
All circumstances that occur or exist before the event or behavior to be explained; also called antecedents.
Antecedent Conditions
General scientific principles that explain our universe and predict events
Laws
A field of study that gives the appearance of being scientific but has no true scientific basis and has not been confirmed using the tools of the scientific method: observation, measurement, and experimentation
Pseudoscience
The scientific techniques used to collect and evaluate psychological data
methodology
The process of repeating research procedures to verify that the outcome will be the same as before; a principal tool of the scientific method.
replication
The bias that may exist in conducting a research study
researcher bias
An aspect of good thinking, stating that the simplest explanation is preferred until ruled out by conflicting evidence; also known as Occam's razor
Parsimony
Everyday, non-scientific collection of psychological data used to understand the social world and guide our behavior.
Commonsense psychology
operational definition
Steps scientist take to gather and verify information, answer questions, explain relationships, and communicate findings.
Scientific Method
the bias that may exist while participating in a research study
participant bias (placebo effect)
Capable of being tested; typically used in reference to a hypothesis. Three requirements must be met to have a testable hypothesis: procedures for manipulating the setting must exist, and the predicted outcome must be observable and measurable.
Testable