AICE PSYCH VOCAB

Experimental Design

A structured plan for how an experiment will be carried out in order to test a hypothesis.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that the researcher manipulates to examine its effect on behavior or mental processes.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured to see how it changes as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable.

Controlled

Keeping certain variables constant to prevent them from influencing the dependent variable.

Standardized Procedure

A set of consistent instructions and methods given to all participants to reduce bias and increase reliability.

Random Allocation

Assigning participants to experimental or control conditions by chance, ensuring equal likelihood for each group.

Independent Measures (Between-Subjects Design)

An experimental design where different participants take part in each condition of the experiment.

Experimental Group

The group of participants exposed to the independent variable.

Control Group

The group not exposed to the independent variable, used for comparison against the experimental group.

Repeated Measures (Within-Subjects Design)

An experimental design where the same participants take part in all conditions of the experiment.

Baseline

A measurement taken before the experimental treatment begins, used as a point of comparison.

Demand Characteristics

Cues in an experiment that might lead participants to guess the aim or change their behavior.

Order Effects

When the order in which participants experience conditions affects their performance.

Fatigue Effect

Performance decreases because participants get tired or bored.

Practice Effect

Performance improves because participants become more experienced with the task.

Counterbalancing

A method used to control for order effects by varying the order of conditions across participants.

Matched Pairs

A research design where participants are paired based on similar characteristics for different conditions.

Placebo Effect

A change in behavior caused by the belief that one is receiving a treatment, even if inactive.

Expectancy Effects

When the experimenter or participant's expectations influence the outcome of the study.

Single-blind Design

An experimental design where participants do not know which condition they are in.

Double-blind Design

An experimental design where neither participants nor experimenters know who is in each condition.

Operational Definition

A clear, specific statement of how a variable will be measured or manipulated in a study.

Self-Report

A research method where participants provide information about themselves, usually through questionnaires, interviews, or surveys.

Questionnaire

A written set of standardized questions that participants answer, often used to gather large amounts of data quickly.

Interview

A method of data collection where the researcher asks participants questions directly, either in a structured, semi-structured, or unstructured format.

Triangulation

The use of multiple methods or sources (e.g., observations, interviews, questionnaires) to study the same phenomenon, therefore increasing validity.

Case Study

An in-depth investigation of an individual, group, or situation, often using multiple research methods to gather detailed information.

Overt Observation

An observational method where participants know they are being observed.

Covert Observation

An observational method where participants are unaware they are being observed, reducing demand characteristics.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in the participants’ natural environment without interference from the researcher.

Controlled Observation

Observing behavior in a structured or laboratory setting where variables can be controlled.

Participant Observation

When the researcher actively takes part in the group or situation being studied while also making observations.