Ch. 2 Study Designs

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering important concepts related to study designs in psychology, including experimental research, variables, research methods, and potential biases.

Experimental Research

Manipulation of one variable under controlled conditions to observe changes in another variable, allowing for detection of cause-and-effect relationships.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable being manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable affected by the manipulation of the independent variable.

Experimental Group

Participants who receive some treatment in regard to the independent variable.

Control Group

Similar participants to the experimental group but do not receive the treatment.

Extraneous Variable

Any other variable in the study that may influence the dependent variable.

Confounding Variable

An extraneous variable that is linked to both variables, making it difficult to determine the exact relationship between the IV and DV.

Random Assignment

A method used to control for extraneous variables by randomly assigning participants to groups.

Field Experiments

Studies conducted in settings similar to real life to enhance generalizability.

Descriptive/Correlation Research

Methods used when a researcher cannot practically or ethically manipulate variables under study.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method where the observer engages in careful observation of behavior without direct interaction with subjects.

Reactivity

When a participant's behavior is altered by the presence of the observer.

Case Studies

In-depth examinations of an individual participant or group, often used to study specific psychological disorders.

Surveys

Research methods that use questionnaires or interviews to gather information about specific attitudes or behaviors.

Sampling Bias

A flaw in research where the sample is not representative of the population.

Placebo Effect

When participants report a change due to their expectations rather than the treatment itself.

Experimenter Bias

When a researcher's expectations or preferences influence the results of a study.

Double-Blind Procedure

A method where neither participants nor experimenters know which participants are in the experimental or control group.

Replication

The repetition of a study to determine if earlier results are duplicated.