Unit 0 Research Methods Mini-Test Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering experimental research, correlational research, descriptive research, psychological perspectives, reliability/validity, cognitive biases, and survey methodology from the Unit 0 study guide.

Experimental Research

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more independent variables to observe the effect on a dependent variable while controlling other variables.

Independent Variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe its effect on the outcome.

Dependent Variable

The outcome factor that is measured to evaluate the effect of manipulating the independent variable.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, minimizing preexisting differences between the groups.

Random Selection

A method of selecting participants from a population in which every individual has an equal chance of being chosen for the study.

Representative Sample

A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population being studied.

Operational Definitions

Carefully worded statements of the exact procedures and measurements used to define specific research variables.

Confounding Variables

Factors other than the independent variable that might unintentionally influence the results of an experiment.

Single-Blind Experiment

An experimental procedure in which the participants are unaware of whether they are in the experimental or control group.

Double-Blind Experiment

An experimental procedure in which both the participants and the research staff are unaware of who received the treatment or placebo.

Placebo

An inactive substance or fake treatment given to a control group to test the effectiveness of a real treatment.

Placebo Effect

Experimental results caused by expectations alone, occurring when a participant experiences real changes simply from believing they received a treatment.

Correlational Research

A research design that measures the natural relationship and strength between two or more variables without manipulating them.

Positive Correlation

A relationship between two variables where both increase or decrease together in the same direction.

Negative Correlation

A relationship between two variables where as one variable increases, the other variable decreases.

Illusory Correlation

The perception of a relationship between two variables when no actual relationship exists.

Correlation Coefficients

Statistical measures of the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables, ranging from $-1.0$ to $+1.0$.

Scatterplots

Graphed clusters of dots representing the values of two variables, where the slope indicates the direction and the scatter indicates the strength of correlation.

Descriptive Research

Research methods designed to observe and describe behaviors and phenomena without manipulating variables.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without attempting to manipulate or control the environment.

Case Study

A descriptive research technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth to reveal universal principles.

Surveys

A data collection technique used to obtain self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, typically through questionnaires.

Likert Scales

Rating scales used in surveys to measure attitudes or opinions, typically offering choices ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree.

Structured Interviews

A quantitative research method where the interviewer asks a standardized set of predetermined questions in a fixed order.

Evolutionary Perspective

A psychological approach focusing on how natural selection of traits has promoted the survival of genes and influenced behavior.

Cognitive Perspective

A psychological perspective centered on mental processes such as thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.

Psychodynamic Perspective

A psychological approach emphasizing how unconscious drives, conflicts, and early childhood experiences shape human behavior.

Behavioral Perspective

A psychological perspective focusing on observable, learned behaviors and how they are acquired through environmental conditioning.

Sociocultural Perspective

A psychological approach examining how social situations and cultural environments influence individual thinking and behavior.

Biological Perspective

A psychological perspective studying the links between biological processes, brain structures, genetics, and psychological events.

Humanistic Perspective

A psychological approach emphasizing human growth potential, self-actualization, and individual free will.

Reliability

The extent to which a test or research study yields consistent and repeatable results.

Validity

The extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is intended to measure.

Cognitive Bias

A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment and decision-making.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen or predicted it all along.

Overconfidence

The tendency to overestimate the accuracy of one's knowledge, beliefs, or judgments.

Wording Effect

The impact that subtle changes in the phrasing or ordering of questions can have on respondents' answers in surveys.

Social Desirability Bias

The tendency of survey respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others rather than truthfully.