Assumptions of the Social Approach and Research Methods Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic assumptions of the social approach and key experimental research variables.

First assumption of the social approach

Behavior, cognitions, and emotions can be influenced by actual, implied, or imagined presence of others.

Second assumption of the social approach

All of our behavior, cognitions, and emotions can be influenced by social context, social environments, and groups.

Experiment

An investigation that allows researchers to look for a causal relationship; an independent variable is manipulated and is expected to be responsible for changes in the dependent variable.

Independent variable (IV)

The factor under investigation in an experiment that is manipulated to create two or more conditions and is expected to be responsible for change in the dependent variable.

Dependent variable (DV)

The factor in an experiment that is measured and is expected to change under the influence of the IV.

Uncontrolled variable

A variable that either acts randomly, affecting the DV in all levels of the IV so can obscure the effect of the IV, making results difficult to interpret, the effects of which have not or cannot be limited or eliminated.