AP Psych Unit 0 Vocab

Vocab quiz 2

Independent Variables

a variable whose change is not dependent on the change of others

Confounding Variables

Factors other than the independent variable that may cause a result. I.E. students taking a test online vs paper could have the outside variable of one group happening to study more than the other

Dependent Variables

A variable which IS dependent on the factors of an experiment, the variable that measures the outcome of the experiment

Random Assignment

Placement of participants into experimental conditions on the basis of a chance process. Purpose of random assignments, to produce two or more equivalent groups for use in an experiment.

Case Study

A process or record of research in which detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time.

Naturalistic Observation

A qualitative research method where you record the behaviors of your research subjects in real world settings

Falsifiable (as it pertains to hypotheses)

There is possible evidence that would not count as consistent with the hypothesis

Hypothesis

A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation

Operational Definitions

Describes behavior so that it is observable and measurable

Generalizing

Stimuli that share certain characteristics with the original stimulus can elicit a similar response

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested

Control Group

a group in the experiment which a variable is not being tested

Placebo

Substance or treatment which is designed to have no effect

Placebo Effect

When a person's physical or mental health appears to improve after taking a placebo or 'dummy' treatment

Single-Blind Study

A type of clinical trial in which only the researcher doing the study knows which treatment or intervention the participant is receiving until the trial is over

Double-Blind Study

A type of clinical trial in which neither the participants nor the researcher knows which treatment or intervention participants are receiving until the clinical trial is over

Qualitative Research/Measures

Provide rich, detailed data about experiences, behaviors, and perceptions that can't be easily quantified

Quantitative Research/Measures

Enable researchers to perform statistical tests, analyze differences between groups, and determine the effectiveness of treatments

Likert Scales

A rating scale that quantitatively assesses opinions, attitudes, or behaviors

Replication

Reproducing a study to see if you get the same results

Institutional Review

Federally-mandated, locally-administered groups charged with evaluating risks and benefits of human participant research at their institution.

Informed Consent

A process of communication between participant and a researcher that often leads to agreement or permission for care, treatment, or services

Informed Assent

An agreement by an individual not competent to give legally-valid informed consent

Confidentiality

The state of keeping or being kept secret or private

Deception

When a researcher gives false information to subjects or intentionally misleads them about some key aspect of the research

Debriefing

A set of procedures including counselling and the giving of information aimed at preventing psychological morbidity and aiding recovery after a traumatic event