Psychology Research Methods

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Scientific Method

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A method of learning about the world through the application of critical thinking and tools such as observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis.

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Confirmation Bias

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The tendency to focus on information that supports preconceptions.

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Critical Thinking

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Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions.

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Participant Bias

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A tendency for research participants to behave in a certain way because they know they are being observed or they believe they know what the researcher wants.

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Naturalistic Observation

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Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without manipulating or controlling the situation.

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Case Study

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A research technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

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Correlational Study

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A research project that investigates the degree to which two variables are related to each other.

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Survey Method

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A research technique that questions a sample of people to collect information about their attitudes or behaviors.

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Population

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The entire group of people about whom you would like to know something.

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Random Sample

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A sample that fairly represents a population because each member of the population has an equal chance of being included.