Variables, Falsifications & Operational Definitions in Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to variables, research methods, scales of measurement, and operational definitions in psychology.

Variable

Something that varies, such as behavior, and can be observable and replicable.

Quantitative Research

Research utilizing scientific methods to record observations as numeric data.

Qualitative Research

Research aimed at describing, interpreting, and explaining behaviors or events through methods like interviews and observations.

Nominal Scale

A scale that reveals whether a difference exists but does not allow for ordering or measuring magnitude.

Ordinal Scale

A scale that ranks order and allows us to indicate direction of differences, but does not have equal intervals.

Interval Scale

A scale with equal intervals between numbers but no true zero point, preventing ratio comparisons.

Ratio Scale

A scale with a true zero point allowing for both magnitude and ratio statements.

Operational Definition

Defines the operations or techniques a researcher will use to measure or manipulate a variable.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is controlled and manipulated by the experimenter.

Converging Operations

Studies using different operational definitions leading to similar conclusions.

Experimenter Bias

When a researcher's expectations influence the measurement outcomes.

Demand Characteristics

Cues in a study that suggest the hypothesis or purpose, potentially influencing participant behavior.

Sensitivity Effects

Refers to range effects and issues with measurements not being sensitive enough to detect differences.

Non-Experimental Method

A research method that involves no manipulation of variables and is used to describe behavior.

Correlational Method

A non-experimental method that measures the covariation between two variables without manipulation.

Floor Effect

Clustering of scores at the low end of a measurement scale, restricting decreases in value.

Ceiling Effect

Clustering of scores at the high end of a measurement scale, restricting increases in value.

Participant Reactivity

When participants alter their natural behavior due to knowledge of being observed in a study.

Graphing Guidelines

APA style instructions to follow for creating effective tables and figures in research.