Social Psychology: Scientific Method, Experiments, and Ethical Considerations

Regression Analysis

A statistical analysis used for predicting the value of a dependent variable based on one or more independent variables.

Conditions in Experimental Research

Two or more conditions are compared such that the conditions differ only with respect to the factor of interest.

Internally Valid

Provides unambiguous interpretation of the outcome, achieved through control techniques of manipulation, holding conditions constant, balancing.

Reliability

The consistency of a measure; a reliable measure yields the same results under consistent conditions.

Aronson and Mills experiment

A study designed to investigate the relationship between initiation severity and group liking.

Operationalizing variables

The process of defining variables in practical, measurable terms for research.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method involving the observation of subjects in their natural environment without manipulation.

Random Sample

A sampling method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Random Assignment

The process of assigning participants to different groups in an experiment randomly to ensure each group is similar.

Hypothesis

An educated guess about the phenomenon being studied; a prediction about how one variable is related to another.

Correlational Research

Research that assesses the covariation among naturally occurring variables measured by the researcher.

Correlation Coefficient

A quantitative index that indicates the direction and magnitude of the relationship between two variables.

Negative Association

A relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds to a decrease in another variable.

Magnitude of Correlation

The strength of the association between two variables, indicated by the correlation coefficient.

Causal Inferences

Conclusions drawn about the cause-effect relationship between variables.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor of interest in an experiment that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Externally Valid

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to different populations, settings, and conditions.

Experimental Group

The group that receives the manipulation of the independent variable.

External Validity

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to different populations, settings, and conditions.

Third factor problem

An issue where an apparent relationship between two variables may be due to an unmeasured third variable.

Self-report scale

A method used to measure how interesting the discussion had been to participants.

Severe initiation

A condition where participants read a list of obscene words as part of the experiment.

Control of extraneous variables

The practice of managing outside factors to ensure differences found are due to the variables of interest.

Artificial situation

A controlled environment used in experiments that may not reflect real-life scenarios.

Real options for quitting

The necessity for participants to have genuine choices to withdraw from the study.

Scientific Method

An approach to knowledge that emphasizes empirical rather than intuitive processes, testable hypotheses, systematic and controlled observation of operationally defined phenomena, data collection using precise and accurate instrumentation, valid and reliable measures, and objective reporting of results.

Case Studies

In-depth analyses of individuals or groups to explore complex issues in real-life contexts.

Sampling Bias

A bias that occurs when the sample is not representative of the population from which it is drawn.

Positive Association

A relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds to an increase in another variable.

Spuriousness

A situation where a correlation between two variables can be explained by a third variable.

Extraneous Variables

Variables other than the independent variable that may affect the dependent variable.

Experimental Design

A research design that allows researchers to determine causal effects by controlling for extraneous variables.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome variable that is measured in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Limitations of Correlation

Correlational studies do not allow for causal inferences about the relationship of two variables.

Benefits of Experimentation

Allows researchers to control for extraneous variables and determine causal relationships.

Control Group

The group that receives no manipulation of the independent variable.

Statistical Tests

Used by researchers to determine whether there is any difference between the experimental group and the control group on the dependent variable.

Causation

The ability to infer that changes in the independent variable cause changes in the dependent variable.

Placebo Effects

Effects that occur when participants experience changes simply because they believe they are receiving treatment.

Confounding

When the independent variable systematically covaries with a second, unintended independent variable.

Control

The process of isolating the effect of various factors possibly responsible for a phenomenon.

Manipulation

The act of holding conditions constant in an experiment.

Population of Interest

The entire group of individuals that a researcher is interested in studying.

Representative Sample

A sample that has a distribution similar to that of the population in terms of characteristics like race, gender, and socio-economic background.

Measures

The tools used to obtain information about the behavior being studied, referring to how the data are collected.

Validity

The degree to which a measure accurately reflects the phenomenon it is intended to measure.

Internal Validity

When a study is free of confounds.

Operationalization

The process of defining the measurement of a phenomenon that is not directly measurable.

Independent variable

A variable that causes systematic differences in participants' behavior.

Dependent variable

The behavior of the participants that is affected by the presentation of the independent variable.

Mild initiation

A condition where participants read a list of non-obscene words as part of the experiment.

No initiation

A condition where participants do not undergo any initiation process.

Experimental realism

The extent to which participants take the experiment seriously and are involved with the procedures.

Mundane realism

How similar the experimental situation is to events that people may encounter in the real world.

Deception in experiments

The use of cover stories to increase experimental realism and engage participants.

Ethical issues in deception

Concerns that arise from telling lies to participants, invasion of privacy, and unpleasant experiences.

Cost-benefit analysis

A method to determine whether the use of an experimental procedure is appropriate based on potential harm versus good.

Debriefing session

A period where experimenters spend considerable time with participants after the experiment is over.

Guidelines for conducting research

Procedures that should be followed to ensure ethical treatment of participants.

Large unmeasured individual differences

Variations among participants that are not accounted for, which can affect experimental results.

Intense pain or discomfort

Experiences that should be avoided in experimental procedures.

Milgram's experimental situation

An experiment that tested obedience to authority figures, demonstrating the impact of situational factors.

Dawes, McTavish, Shaklee

Researchers who highlighted ethical concerns in social psychology experiments.

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