AP Psych VOCAB QUIZ #2

Vocabulary flashcards covering research design, measurement, ethics, data interpretation, and statistical concepts from the notes.

Experimental Methodologies

A research design that involves manipulation of the independent variable(s) and random assignment to conditions to test causal relationships.

Non-Experimental Methodologies

Research designs that do not involve manipulation of variables; include observing, correlational studies, case studies, and naturalistic observation.

Case Study

An in-depth examination of a single person, group, event, or situation.

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables; indicates association but does not imply causation.

Meta-Analysis

A quantitative synthesis of results from multiple studies addressing the same research question.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Falsifiable

Capable of being tested and potentially disproven by evidence.

Operational Definitions

Precise, testable definitions of variables expressed in terms of the measurement procedures used.

Replication

Repeating a study or its procedures to see if the results can be reproduced.

Independent Variable

The variable deliberately manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The variable measured to assess the effect of the manipulation.

Confounding Variable

An uncontrolled variable that can influence the dependent variable and bias results.

Participants

Individuals who take part in a study.

Sample Population

The entire group about which the study aims to generalize.

Representative Sample

A sample that reflects the important characteristics of the population.

Random Sampling

A method giving every member of the population an equal chance of selection.

Convenience Sampling

A nonrandom sampling method based on ease of access.

Sampling Bias

Systematic error due to the sampling method.

Generalizability

The extent to which findings can be applied to the broader population.

Experimental Group

Participants exposed to the independent variable.

Control Group

Participants not exposed to the independent variable or who receive a baseline condition.

Placebo

A harmless substance or condition used to control for expectancy effects.

Single-Blind

Participants do not know their condition, but researchers do.

Double-Blind

Neither participants nor researchers know who is in which condition.

Experimenter Bias

Researchers’ expectations influencing the results or interpretation.

Social Desirability Bias

Tendency to respond in a way that will be viewed favorably by others.

Qualitative Measurement Instruments

Tools for collecting non-numeric data, such as interviews and observations.

Structured Interviews

A standardized set of questions asked in a fixed order.

Quantitative Measurement Instruments

Tools that produce numeric data, such as tests or rating scales.

Likert Scales

A multi-point rating scale used to measure attitudes or opinions.

Peer Review

Evaluation of research by independent experts before publication.

Institutional Review

Ethical oversight to protect participants (e.g., IRB approval).

Informed Consent

A voluntary agreement to participate after being informed of risks and procedures.

Informed Assent

Agreement by someone unable to give full consent (often minors) with parental consent.

Protection from Harm

Procedures to minimize physical or psychological risk to participants.

Confidentiality

Keeping participants’ data private and secure.

Deception

Deliberately misleading participants or withholding full information about the study.

Research Confederates

Individuals who pretend to be participants as part of the study.

Debriefing

Post-study explanation of purpose and procedures, including any deception.

Central Tendency

A measure that describes the center of a data set.

Mean

The arithmetic average of a data set.

Median

The middle value when data are ordered.

Mode

The most frequently occurring value in a data set.

Range

The difference between the maximum and minimum values.

Normal Curve

A symmetrical, bell-shaped distribution of scores around the mean.

Skewness

A measure of asymmetry in a distribution.

Bimodal Distribution

A distribution with two distinct peaks.

Percentile Rank

The percentage of scores in a distribution that fall below a given score.

Regression Towards the Mean

Extreme scores tend to move closer to the mean on subsequent measurements.

Variation

The spread or dispersion of data values.

Standard Deviation

A measure of how much scores typically deviate from the mean.

Quantitative Inferential Data

Data analyzed statistically to draw conclusions about a population.

Qualitative Inferential Data

Interpretive conclusions drawn from non-numeric data.

Scatterplot

A graph showing the relationship between two variables.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistic (r) describing the strength and direction of a linear relationship.

Effect Sizes

The magnitude of the difference or relationship, independent of sample size.

Statistical Significance

The likelihood that observed results are not due to chance (often p < .05).

Directionality Problem

When a correlation cannot determine which variable causes the other due to ambiguity in direction.

Third Variable Problem

The possibility that a third variable causes both observed variables, creating a spurious correlation.

Survey Wording Effects

Bias introduced by the way questions are phrased or ordered.

Self-Report Bias

Bias arising when participants report their own experiences inaccurately or selectively.

Appropriate Representation of Participants

Ensuring the sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the population.