AP Psych Unit 0

Effect Size

A measure of the strength or magnitude of a relationship between 2 variables in a study.

Statistical Significance

The likelihood that a research result is not due to chance, typically determined by a p-value threshold (p<0.05)

Measures of central tendency

statistics that summarize a set of data by identifying the central point (mean, median, mode)

Debriefing

After an experiment, researchers explain the study’s purpose and any deception used to participants.

Research Confederates

Individuals who appear to be participants in a study but are actually working with the researcher to manipulate the experiment in specific ways.

Deception

In some studies, researchers may intentionally withhold info from participants or mislead them in order to preserve the integrity of the study. Deception must be justified or minimized.

Confidentiality

The ethical principle of keeping personal info and responses of research participants private.

Protection from harm

Ensuring that participants are not exposed to physical or psychological harm during the course of a study.

informed assent

Involves obtaining permission from a minor, in addition to obtaining consent from a parent or guardian.

informed consent

A process in which researchers provide potential participants with enough info about the study for them to decide whether or not to participate.

Institutional review

A process by which a committee reviews the ethical aspects of a research study before it begins to ensure participants rights are protected.

Third Variable Problem

In correlational studies, an unmeasured 3rd variable may be responsible for the relationship observed between 2 variables

Directionality problem

A situation in correlational research where the researcher cannot tell which variable is the cause and which is the effect.

Social Desirability Bias

The tendency of survey respondents to answer questions in a way that they believe will be viewed favorably by others.

Generalizability

The extent to which research findings can be applied to real world settings or other populations beyond the study.

Operational Definitions

Precise Statements of how variables in a study are measured or defined, allowing the study to be replicated.

Falsifiability

A quality of a hypothesis or theory that allows it to be proven false through observation or experiment.

Meta-analysis

A statistical technique for combing the results of multiple studies to arrive at one overall conclusion.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method where subjects are observed in their natural environments without any manipulation or interference by the researcher.

Overconfidence

The tendency to be more confident in our beliefs or predictions than is justified by the evidence.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after an event has occurred, that we “knew it all along” or could have predicted the outcome.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember, info that confirms one’s preconceptions while ignoring contradictory evidence.

Cultural Norms

These are shared expectations and rules that guide behavior of people within social groups.