Study of Behavior and Research Ethics

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the scientific study of behavior, correlation, experimentation, ethics, and statistics.

Correlations

Relationships between two variables where a change in one may be associated with a change in another.

Natural Correlations

Correlations observed in the environment without any manipulation.

Third-variable correlation

A scenario where two variables appear correlated due to a third variable influencing both.

Matched Samples

A technique ensuring participants in different groups are identical based on a third variable.

Matched Pairs

Participants are paired based on a third variable, with each participant in a pair receiving different treatments.

Descriptive Studies

Studies that describe behavior without systematically investigating relationships between specific variables.

Manipulation

Creating artificial variation in a variable to ascertain its causal effect.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated in a study to observe its effects.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in a study in response to changes in the independent variable.

Experimental Group

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

Control Group

The group that does not receive treatment in an experiment, serving as a comparison.

Random Assignment

A procedure ensuring that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group.

Within-subjects design

A design where different conditions of an independent variable are applied to the same subject.

Between-subjects design

A design where different conditions are applied to different groups of subjects.

Inferential Statistics

Procedures used to determine the probability that observed results are due to chance.

Statistical Significance

The results of a test that indicate a real statistical difference exists.

Practical Significance

The importance or usefulness of research findings in real-world applications.

Sampling Bias

Occurs when the sample is not representative of the population from which it was drawn.

Internal Validity

The extent to which the conclusions about causal relationships drawn from a study are valid.

External Validity

The degree to which study results can be generalized beyond the experimental setting.

Ethical Principles

Guidelines established by the American Psychological Association for conducting ethical research.

Informed Consent

The process of obtaining agreement from participants after they are fully informed about the research.

Minimizing Harm

The ethical obligation to ensure participants are not subjected to unnecessary risks.

Maximizing Benefit

The aim of research to produce benefits for individuals or society.

Deception in Research

Involves misleading participants about the true nature of a study for scientific purposes.

Debriefing

A procedure following an experiment to inform participants of the true purpose of the study.

Confounding Variables

Variables that could influence the outcome of a study, if not controlled.

Animal Research Ethics

The ethical consideration of balancing animal suffering against potential research benefits.

Research Integrity

The commitment to honesty, accuracy, and accountability in conducting research.

Vulnerable Populations

Groups requiring special protections in research to ensure their rights and welfare.

Generalization

Applying findings from a study to broader populations beyond the immediate sample.

Error in Research

Random variability in results that occurs due to uncontrolled influences.

Bias in Research

Systematic deviations in results caused by extraneous factors unrelated to the hypothesis.