Health Psychology [Terms]

Ascertainment bias

When data collection methods favor certain groups over others, leading to a skewed sample.

Cross-sectional design

Comparing different groups at a single point in time, as opposed to tracking individuals over time (longitudinal design).

Domino causality

A chain reaction where an effect becomes a cause, creating a sequence of events.

Double-blind testing

Neither researchers nor participants know who receives which treatment, preventing bias.

Ecological fallacy

Assuming that individuals in a group share all traits based on a single common trait.

Longitudinal study

Research tracking individuals over time through observations, interviews, or testing.

Meta-analysis

Combining data from multiple studies to produce a comprehensive conclusion.

Outcomes-based research

Focuses on how treatments and interventions impact health results.

Participant attrition

The dropout rate of participants in a study, often problematic in long-term research.

Placebo effect

When an inactive treatment causes real improvements due to belief in the treatment.

Process-based research

Examines how treatments and interventions impact health over time rather than just the final results.

Prospective research

Collects early-life data and tracks participants over time to study correlations.

Single-blind testing

Researchers know the treatment assignments, but participants do not, reducing placebo effects while allowing experimental control.