UNIT 0 VOCAB_AP PSYCH

dependent variable

the outcome or effect being measured in an experiment that is influenced by the independent variable.

confounding variables

any factor that could potentially influence the dependent variable and affect the results of an experiment.

random assignment

randomly assigning participants to different groups in an experiment to ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group.

population

the entire group from which a sample is drawn for a study or experiment.

sample

a subset of the population selected for participation in a study, used to make inferences about the larger group.

random sampling

a method where participants are chosen randomly from the larger population to ensure that the sample is representative.

representative sampling

a non-random sampling method that aims to reflect the characteristics of the larger population, allowing for generalization.

convenience sampling

a non-random sampling method where participants are selected based on their easy availability and accessibility, which may lead to bias.

sampling bias

a systematic error in a study that occurs when the sample is not representative of the population, leading to skewed results.

generalizability

the extent to which findings from a study can be applied to larger populations or different settings.

experimental group

the group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention being tested, allowing for comparison with a control group.

control group

the group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment, serving as a baseline to compare the effects of the treatment on the experimental group.

placebo group

a group in an experiment that receives a sham treatment, allowing researchers to test the effects of the actual treatment compared to no intervention.

single-blind procedure

a research design where participants are unaware of whether they are receiving the treatment or a placebo, reducing bias in their responses.

double-blind procedure

a research design where both the participants and the experimenters are unaware of which participants are receiving the treatment or the placebo, reducing bias.

experimenter bias

the influence of the researcher's expectations on the outcome of the study, potentially skewing results.

case study

an in-depth investigation of an individual or group, often used to explore complex issues and generate hypotheses.

positive correlation

a relationship between two variables where an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other, indicating a direct relationship.

negative correlation

a relationship between two variables where an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other, indicating an inverse relationship.

third Variable problem

a situation in which a third variable influences both the independent and dependent variables, potentially leading to misleading interpretations of correlation.

directionality problem

the issue of determining the causal direction between two correlated variables, where it is unclear which variable influences the other.

scatterplots

Graphical representations used to display the relationship between two variables, illustrating correlations through plotted points.

correlation coefficient

a statistical measure that quantifies the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to 1.

quantitative measures

that indicate the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to +1.

evolutionary perspective

A theoretical framework that considers how human behavior and mental processes have evolved over time, often focusing on natural selection and adaptation.

sociocultural perspective

A theoretical approach that examines how societal and cultural influences shape individual behavior, thoughts, and emotions. It emphasizes the impact of social norms, traditions, and environments on psychological processes.

biospychosocial perspective

An integrative approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding human behavior and mental processes. This perspective highlights the complex interplay between these three domains in shaping individuals' experiences.