Psychology 20 terms to know off by heart A levelsssss

Cross-species Validity

The extent to which the findings of a research study can be generalised to other species

Cross-cultural Validity

The extent to which the findings of a research study can be generalised to other cultures

Demand characteristics

Demand characteristics occur when the participant tries to work out the purpose of the research, and then acts accordingly

Dependant variable

The variable that is measured (is affected by the IV)

Ecological Validity

The extent to which the findings can be generalised to a real life setting

Extraneous Variable

Any other variable that might affect the results (DV) that is not the IV

Field Experiment

An experiment taking place in a natural setting, but the IV is manipulated (changed) by the experimenter

Generalisability

The extent to which the results of the study can be applied to a wider population

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated (changed) to see if it affects the DV

Investigator Effects

Where a researcher (consciously or unconsciously) acts in a way to support their prediction

Laboratory Experiment

Laboratory experiments take place in controlled conditions, whereby the researcher manipulates the IV (independent variable) to measure the effect on the DV (dependent variable)

Natural Experiment

An experiment taking place in a natural setting, where the IV has occurred naturally rather than being manipulated by the researcher

Participant

A person who takes part in a psychological study

Practical Application

Making use of the research in some way in the real world

Reliability

Refers to the consistency of results or procedures

Research Study

A practical investigation into behaviour, usually to provide support for a theory

Sample

The term given for the group of people who take part in a psychology study

Social Desirability Bias

When participants act in a way they deem to be socially acceptable (usually rather than their natural behaviour)

Theory

An explanation of a given behaviour

Validity

Refers to whether something is true or legitimate