Psychology Research Methods Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core terms and concepts in psychological research methods, experimental design, and correlation versus causation.

Correlation

A measure of the extent to which two variables change together and thus predict each other, which suggests a possible cause-effect relationship but does not prove causation.

Experiment

A research method in which researchers isolate cause and effect by manipulating one or more variables of interest while holding constant (controlling) other variables.

Experimental group

In an experiment, the group of participants who receive the treatment being tested.

Control group

In an experiment, the contrasting group of participants who do not receive the treatment being tested.

Random assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance (such as by a random number generator or coin flip), minimizing preexisting differences between the groups.

Quasi-experimental research design

A research design used to evaluate an intervention without the use of random assignment.

Double-blind procedure

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are uninformed (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo.

Placebo effect

Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

Independent variable

In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated and whose effect is being studied.

Confounding variable

In an experiment, a variable other than the variable being studied that might influence the study's results.

Dependent variable

In an experiment, the variable that is measured and that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.

Operational definition

A precise statement that specifies the exact procedures used to manipulate an independent variable or measure a dependent variable, allowing other researchers to replicate the study.

Descriptive research method

A basic research method used to observe and record behavior through case studies, naturalistic observations, or surveys, without manipulating any variables.

Correlational research method

A basic research method used to detect naturally occurring relationships and assess how well one variable predicts another by collecting data on two or more variables without manipulation.

Experimental research method

A basic research method used to explore cause and effect by manipulating one or more independent variables and using random assignment.