Unit 2 RESEARCH METHODS for AP Psychology

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering essential research methods terminology for AP Psychology.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.

Double Blind Procedure

An experimental procedure where both participants and research staff are unaware of treatment assignment.

Independent Variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated in a study.

Dependent Variable

The outcome factor that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

Mode

The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.

Mean

The arithmetic average of a distribution.

Median

The middle score in a distribution.

Standard Deviations

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to conditions by chance, minimizing preexisting differences.

Random Sampling

A sample that fairly represents a population, with each member having an equal chance of inclusion.

Scatter Plot

A graphed cluster of dots representing values of two variables, indicating the direction and strength of their relationship.

Illusory Correlation

The perception of a relationship where none exists.

Case Study

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth.

Survey

A technique for ascertaining self-reported attitudes or behaviors through questioning.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in naturally occurring situations without manipulation.

Correlation

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together.

Experiment

A research method in which an investigator manipulates factors to observe effects on behavior.

Replication

Repeating a study to see if findings extend to different participants or situations.

Statistical Significance

A statistical statement of how likely a result occurred by chance.

Operational Definition

A statement of the procedures used to define research variables.

Critical Thinking

Thinking that examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, and evaluates evidence.

Theory

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes and predicts observations.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Population

All cases in a group from which samples may be drawn.

Sample

Items selected at random from a population for testing hypotheses.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical index of the relationship between two things, ranging from -1 to +1.

Placebo

Experimental results caused by expectations alone; inert substance assumed to be active.

Placebo Effect

Any effect that seems to be a consequence of administering a placebo.

Experimental Group

The group exposed to the treatment or version of the independent variable in an experiment.

Control Group

The group not exposed to treatment, used for comparison in an experiment.

Confounding Variable

A factor other than the independent variable that might affect results.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

Normal Curve/Distribution

A symmetrical, bell-shaped curve representing data distribution.

Inferential Statistics

Numerical methods to determine if research data supports a hypothesis.

Culture

Enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a group over generations.

Informed Consent

An ethical principle requiring participants to be informed before participating.

Debriefing

Post-experimental explanation of a study, including purpose and deceptions.

Descriptive Statistics

Summaries of basic features of data in a study.

Skewed Distribution to the Left

Distribution with a longer tail on the left side.

Skewed Distribution to the Right

Distribution with a longer tail on the right side.