Unit 0 Vocab

Experimental designs

Allow observation of a phenomenon as it naturally occurs.

Non-experimental designs

Permit environmental manipulation.

Independent variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment to assess if it will affect the dependent variable.

Meta-analysis

Combines the results of multiple scientific studies.

Naturalistic observation

A method that involves observing subjects in their natural environment.

Dependent variable (DV)

The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable manipulation.

Confounding variables

A third variable in a study examining a potential cause-and-effect relationship.

Random assignment

Every participant having an equal chance of being in either the experimental group or the control group.

Population

All the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.

Sample

A small subset of individuals intended to reflect specified characteristics present in a target population.

Random sampling

When the group of subjects in your experiment accurately depicts the population.

Representative samples

A smaller subset of a larger group that accurately reflects specific characteristics of that population.

Convenience samples

Asking anyone who happens to be there if they would like to participate.

Sampling bias

Occurs when some members of a population are systematically more likely to be selected in a sample than others.

Generalizability

Responses to a new stimulus based on prior experience with similar stimuli.

Experimental group

The group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested.

Control group

The group that does not receive the independent variable in an experiment.

Placebo group

Group that receives what appears to be a treatment, but is actually neutral.

Placebo effect

When a group of people feel an effect of a drug despite only ingesting a placebo.

Single-blind procedure

When the subjects do not know all of the information about the study, especially which group they are in.

Double-blind procedure

When neither the participant nor the person conducting the study knows who is in the control or experimental group.

Experimenter bias

When the experimenter affects the results of their own study due to their expectations.

Case study

A thorough study of a single person, community, or event that relies on observation and experiments.

Correlation (does not equal causation)

Indicates a possibility of a relationship, but does not prove causation.

Positive correlation

When two variables move in the same direction.

Negative correlation

The relationship where one variable increases while the other decreases.

Directionality problem

Significant correlation does not provide information about the direction of the relationship.

Third-variable problem

A type of confounding in which a third variable leads to a mistaken causal relationship.

Framing

The way a problem is presented, which can change perception or reaction.

Social desirability bias

A type of response bias where participants respond in a way that they think is favorable.

Self-report bias

A bias in tests or measures relying on individual reports of symptoms or behaviors.

Hypothesis

A tentative and testable explanation of the relationship between events or variables.

Falsifiability

The ability for a statement or theory to be proven false.

Operational definitions

Descriptions of the procedures and variables in a study for replication.

Ethical guidelines

Principles including informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, and debriefing.

Informed consent

Providing sufficient information for a subject to make an informed decision about participation.

Protection from harm

Researchers' duty to protect participants from physical or psychological harm.

Confidentiality of participants

The assurance that personal information will not be released without consent.

Minimal deception

Participants may be deceived, but not to the extent that it invalidates their consent.

Confederates

Aides of the experimenter who pose as participants but whose behavior is rehearsed.

Debriefing

Informing subjects about the study's purpose and procedures after completion.

Statistical significance

A result that is unlikely to be explained solely by chance.