Research Methods and Concepts Vocab

Independent Variable

The variable manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The variable expected to change as the IV changes.

Operationalization

Expressing a construct in terms of observable behavior.

Confounding Variable

A variable that can potentially distort the relationship between the IV and the DV.

Credibility

The degree to which the results of the study can be trusted to reflect reality.

Responsibility

The ethical obligation that psychologists have to protect study participants, the scientific community, and society.

Order Effect

How the sequence or positioning of tasks, conditions, or questions influences a participant’s responses or behaviour in a study.

Bias (concept)

A systematic deviation from the truth.

Snowball sampling

A small number of participants are invited and asked to invite other people they know who also are of interest for the purposes of the research.

Quasi experiment

A study that fulfils all the criteria for a true experiment, without manipulation.

Correlational research

No variables are manipulated so causation cannot be inferred.

True experiment

Manipulated the IV, uses random allocation, is quantitative, and has a hypothesis.

Random sampling

Every member of the population has an equal opportunity to be a part of the sample.

Generalisation

The extent to which we can generalize the results of a study beyond the study itself.

Informed consent

Participation in a study must be voluntary and participants must fully understand the nature of their involvement.

Opportunity sample

Recruiting participants that are more easily available.

Confirmation bias

The researcher has a prior belief and uses the research in an unintentional attempt to confirm that belief.

Placebo

a control group that receives fake medication or treatments