psych unit test

bimodal distribution

when there are 2 curves/graphs showing there are 2 different types of people being represented

controls

precautions taken to stop extraneous variables from forming/effecting the experiment

correlation coefficient (r value)

the strength + direction a variable

strongest = ±1 weakest = 0

debriefing

providing emotional and pyschological support after a tramatic event

control group

does not receive the independant variable / what really being tested 

dependant variable 

whats effect by the IV

descriptive variable 

non-expirimental methods

correlational research

looks for variablese that correlate

directionality problem

when 2 variables are related but which effecting which is unclear

3rd variable problem

when 2 variables appear to relate but a third variable effects both

effect size

how much bell curves overlap

ethical considerations in studies

rules designed to keep participants safe

experimental condition

the condition/group being exposed to the IV

confounding variables

variables other than the IV that effect the DV

generalizable studies

studies that apply to a larger population

hawthorne effect

when a participant modifies their behavior because they know they are being watched 

illusory correlation

believing two variables are related eventhough they are not

informed consent/assent

consent = given by legal adults

assent = given by minors

institutional review board (IRB)

provides protection for research participants through ethical review

likert scales

a type of survey measuring how much you like something

normal distribution curves

bell curves

percentile rank

% of people scoring at or below a certain level

75th percentile = at or above 75% of the norm group

placebo effect

when pre-existing expectations lead you to experience change 

range

highest value - lowest value

regression to the mean

when extreme values moving closer to the mean

replication

repeating an experiment to see if its true

skewed distribution

when one tail of the bell curve is longer than the other

statistical significance 

p value 

% of chance in an experiment