RMA Week 1: Intro

how is the scientific method conducted in psychology?

by testing hypotheses

what are hypotheses derived from?

theories

what is a hypothesis?

a testable prediction

independent variable (IV)

the factor manipulated in an experiment to observe its effects on the dependent variable

dependent variable (DV)

the outcome factor that is measured in an experiment to assess the impact of the independent variable

name 3 problems with scientific research

1. research bias

2. breaching ethical practise

3. confounding variables

what’s a participant phenomena in biased research?

reactivity - the adjustment of behaviour to knowledge about the study

what are three experimental procedures to alleviate reactivity effects?

1. single-blind study (participants don’t know conditions)

2. double-blind study (participants and observer don’t know conditions)

3. use a placebo

what’s the clever hans effect?

A phenomenon where a trainer inadvertently provides cues that influence an animal's behavior, leading to seemingly intelligent responses.