SI and ethics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to research design and ethics in psychology, helping students prepare for their exam.

Research Aim

The overall goal or purpose of a study that addresses a specific question or problem in psychology.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome measured in response to the independent variable.

Control Variables

Factors kept constant across different conditions in an experiment.

Extraneous Variables

Uncontrolled factors that can affect the results of an experiment.

Confounding Variables

Uncontrolled factors that correlate with both the independent and dependent variables, leading to potential misinterpretations of results.

Directional Hypothesis

A testable prediction specifying the expected direction of the relationship between variables.

Non-directional Hypothesis

A testable prediction that specifies a relationship without indicating the direction.

Informed Consent

Participants must be fully informed about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits before agreeing to take part.

Debriefing

The process after a study in which researchers fully explain the true nature of the research and any deceptions used, allowing participants to ask questions.

Ethical Guidelines

A set of principles designed to protect participants in psychological research, ensuring integrity and credibility.

Confidentiality

The practice of keeping participant information private and secure, often by using codes instead of names.

Voluntary Participation

The principle that participation in research must be completely voluntary without coercion or undue influence.

Participant Variables

Characteristics related to individual participants that may influence the dependent variable.

Environmental Variables

Factors related to the environment of the study that can influence participant responses.

Ethics Committee

A group that reviews and approves research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines.