Experimentation

Sampling

The method by which participants are selected to be in a study

Population

All individuals who share particular characteristics and can be considered as part of a larger group from which samples are drawn

Representative sample

A sample from a larger group that accurately represents the characteristics of a larger population

Convenience sampling

Using respondents who are “convenient” to the researcher

Generalizing

The tendency to respond in the same way to different but similar stimuli

Random selection

A form of sampling where a representative group of research participants is selected from a larger group by chance

Random assignment

Every participant having an equal chance of being in either the experiment group or the control group

Participant relevant confounding variables

The traits of the participants that could impact the research outcome

Situation relevant confounding variables

The unconscious tendency for researchers to treat members of the experimental and control groups differently to increase the chance of confirming their hypothesis

Experimenter bias

The unintentional influence of the experimenter’s expectations, beliefs, or preconceived notions on the outcome of a study or research experiment

Single blind study

A type of clinical trial in which only the researcher doing the study knows which treatment or intervention the participant is receiving until the trial is over

Double blind study

A type of clinical trial in which neither the participants nor the researcher knows which treatment or intervention participants are receiving until the trial is over

Social desirability

A type of response bias that is the tendency of survey respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others

Experimental group

The group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested

Control group

A group in the experiment which a variable is not being tested

Placebo effect

When a person’s physical or mental health appears to improve after taking a placebo or “dummy” treatment