Unit 0 vocabs ap psychology

mode

The most frequently occurring value in a dataset.

median

The middle value in a dataset when the values are arranged in ascending or descending order. If there is an even number of values, the median is the average of the two middle values.

debriefing

The process of providing participants with information about the purpose, procedures, and results of a research study after their participation, especially if deception was used.

correlation

A statistical measure of the relationship between two variables, indicating how they change together. However, correlation does not imply causation.

case study

In-depth examination of an individual or small group over an extended period, often using a variety of data sources such as interviews, observations, and psychological tests.

control group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or intervention, used for comparison with the experimental group.

double-blind procedure

An experimental procedure in which both the participants and the researchers involved are unaware of who is assigned to the experimental or control group, reducing bias.

hypothesis

Testable prediction or educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables, typically formulated as statements.

dependent variable

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment and is expected to change as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable.

social desirability bias

The tendency for people to respond in a manner that they believe is socially acceptable or desirable, rather than providing honest or accurate answers.

independent variable

The variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

effect size

A measure of the strength or magnitude of the relationship between variables or the magnitude of a treatment effect, independent of sample size.

experimental group

The group in an experiment that is exposed to the treatment or intervention being studied.

operational definitions

Precise descriptions of how variables in a study will be manipulated or measured. They specify the procedures used to define and measure concepts.

random assignment

The process of assigning participants to experimental or control groups in a way that each individual has an equal chance of being placed in any group, reducing the likelihood of bias.

naturalistic observation

Observation of behavior in its natural context without interference or manipulation by the researcher.

placebo

An inactive substance or treatment that resembles the experimental treatment, used in research to control for the psychological effects of receiving treatment.

sampling bias

A bias in which a sample is not representative of the population from which it is drawn, leading to inaccurate or ungeneralizable results.

meta-analysis

A statistical technique for combining the findings from multiple studies on a particular topic to determine overall trends or effects.

random sample

A sample in which every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected to participate in the study, increasing the generalizability of the findings.

single-blind procedure

An experimental procedure in which either the participants or the researchers involved are unaware of who is assigned to the experimental or control group.

experimenter bias

The influence of the researcher's expectations or beliefs on the outcomes of an experiment, leading to unintentional bias in data collection or interpretation.

informed consent

The ethical principle requiring that participants in a research study are fully informed about the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of participation before agreeing to take part.

confounding variable

A variable other than the independent variable that could potentially influence the dependent variable, leading to inaccurate interpretations of the results.

qualitative research

Research that focuses on gathering and analyzing non-numerical data, such as observations, interviews, or textual analysis, to understand meanings, experiences, or perspectives.

population

The entire group of individuals or cases that researchers are interested in studying and to which they intend to generalize their findings.

peer reviews

The evaluation of scientific, academic, or professional work by others in the same field to ensure its quality and validity before publication or presentation.

replicate

To repeat a research study or experiment to determine if the findings can be reliably reproduced.

experiment

A research method in which one or more variables are manipulated to observe the effect on another variable, while controlling for extraneous factors.

mean

The average of a set of values, calculated by summing all values and dividing by the number of values.

quantitative research

Research that focuses on gathering and analyzing numerical data to understand relationships, patterns, or trends.