Chapter 9 Conducting Experiments Methods in Behavioral Research

These flashcards cover key concepts related to conducting experiments in behavioral research, including types of variables, sampling methods, manipulation techniques, and measures.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured to determine the effect of the independent variable.

Straightforward Manipulations

Use instructions and stimuli to manipulate the independent variable.

Staged Manipulations

Involve staged events to manipulate the independent variable, often using a confederate.

Pilot Study

A trial run of the study with a small number of participants to test procedures.

Manipulation Check

An attempt to measure whether the manipulation of the independent variable had the intended effect.

Demand Characteristics

Features that inform participants about the study's purpose, potentially influencing their behavior.

Placebo Effect

An observed improvement in behavior due to the belief that a treatment has been administered.

Ceiling Effect

Occurs when scores become too high too quickly, obscuring the effect of an independent variable.

Floor Effect

Occurs when scores are too low, preventing the measurement of the independent variable's effect.

Probabilistic Sampling

A method of sampling that allows for a representative sample from the population.

Nonprobability Sampling

Sampling methods that do not ensure each member of the population has a chance of being included.

Self-Reports

Measures where participants describe themselves, often using rating scales.

Physiological Measures

Recordings of bodily responses, such as GSR, EMG, EEG, MRI, and fMRI.

Experimenter Bias

The unintentional influence of the experimenter's expectations on participants.

Double-Blind Experiment

Neither the participant nor the experimenter knows which treatment is being administered.

External Validity

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to real-world settings.

Internal Validity

The degree to which the relationship between the independent and dependent variables is trustworthy.

Costs of Manipulation

Factors to consider including money, time, personnel, and ethics when designing an experiment.