Module 6 Psychology for the AP Course (SY24-25)

Correlation Coefficient

The relationship between variables, between -1 and +1., a statistic representing how closely two variables co-vary

Correlation

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together. *CORRELATION DOES NOT EQUAL CAUSATION* (non-experimental method)

Illusory Correlation

The perception of a relationship where none exists

Experiment

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process. To explore cause and effect relationships.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance, to minimize preexisting differences between the different groups.

Double-blind Procedure

An experimental procedure where both researchers and participants are uninformed about the nature of the independent variable being administered.

Experimental Group

Subjects in an experiment to whom the independent variable is administered.

Control Group

Subjects in an experiment who do not receive the independent variable.

Independent Variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Confounding Variable/Third Variable Problem

A factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The outcome; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

Variable

anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure

Scatterplot

a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope suggests the directions of the relationship of the 2 variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the relationship (little scatter indicates high correlation). Visual representation of a correlational relationship.

Regression Towards the Mean

the tendency for extreme or unusual scores to fall back (regress) toward their average.

Placebo Effect

experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

Validity

the extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to

Placebo

a fake drug used in the testing of medication or variable.

Single-Blind Procedure

An experimental procedure where participants do not know which experimental condition they have been assigned to, but the experimenter does.

Experimenter Bias

bias caused when researchers may unintentionally influence results to confirm their own beliefs.

social desirability bias

bias from people's responding in ways they presume a researcher expects or wishes.

self-report bias

bias when people report their behavior inaccurately