When a researcher tests his or her hypothesis, he or she is often hoping to gather information that is consistent with a particular theory. What, more specifically, allows a researcher to say that he or she has “proven” a theory?

If a researcher’s initial findings that a particular relationship or effect exists are not reliably demonstrated by other independent researchers, how are these initial findings thought of in the discipline of psychology?

The __________ variable is what the researcher “manipulates,” or varies, in an experimental study.

Dr. Andorski regularly looks at the Internet to see what his patients are saying about him. When a patient posts a positive, complimentary review, the doctor reads it intently and takes note of the comments. Dr. Andorski tends to ignore critical reviews and just assume that those patients don’t know what they are talking about. As a result of this __________, Dr. Andorski tends to miss good feedback that could make him a better physician.

Traps in thinking that can lead to mistaken conclusions are called __________.

A group of animal behaviorists has discovered several new species of insects in the Amazon jungle. They collect the new species for later study back at the camp. Due to advances in computer technology, they are able to transfer their findings immediately to other researchers studying insects. Their willingness to share these findings with other scientists shows their commitment to __________.

What is an important limitation of anecdotal evidence in developing scientifically sound treatments or procedures?

E. B. Titchener founded which perspective of psychology?

The term __________ refers to the tendency to perceive meaningful connections among unrelated phenomena.

Professor Todd decides to test her hypothesis that eating chocolate prior to exams increases students’ test scores. She randomly assigns students to two groups at the beginning of the semester. One group receives a bar of chocolate before each test, while the other group receives another type of candy. She compares their scores at the end of the year, and finds that the students who ate the chocolate scored an average of ten points higher on their exams. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?