Correlational and Experimental Research Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to correlational and experimental research methodologies.

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables where changes in one variable are associated with changes in another.

Positive Correlation

A relationship where as one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

Negative Correlation

A relationship where as one variable increases, the other variable decreases.

Correlation Coefficient

A numerical value that represents the strength and direction of a correlation, ranging from $-1$ to $+1$.

Scatterplot

A graphical representation of the relationship between two variables, where each point represents an observation and the pattern reveals the type and strength of the correlation.

Illusory Correlation

Occurs when people perceive a relationship between two variables even when no such relationship exists.

Regression Toward the Mean

The tendency for extreme or unusual scores to fall back (regress) toward the average performance.

Non-Experimental Methodology

A research method that involves observing and measuring variables without manipulating them, focusing on relationships and correlations between variables.

Experimental Methodology

A research method where the researcher manipulates one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable, allowing for cause-and-effect relationships to be established.

Experiment

A method where researchers manipulate one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable, helping to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is deliberately manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured to see how it is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Confounding Variable

An external factor or unforeseen characteristic that could influence the results of an experiment, making it difficult to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or manipulation.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment, allowing researchers to compare results and draw conclusions about the treatment's effect.

Random Assignment

The process by which participants are randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group to minimize preexisting differences between the groups.

Single-Blind Procedure

A procedure in which participants do not know whether they are assigned to the experimental or control group.

Double-Blind Procedure

A procedure in which neither the participants nor the researchers know who is assigned to the experimental or control group.

Placebo

A harmless, inactive substance or treatment given to the control group to compare its effects with those of the actual treatment.

Placebo Effect

The phenomenon where participants experience changes simply because they believe they are receiving a treatment.