IB Exam Paper 3 Review: Research Methods and Biological Approach to Behavior

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to research methods and the biological approach to behavior.

Experimental group

The group being tested, or exposed to the independent variable.

Control group

The group that has no tests done on them, used for comparison.

Placebo effect

A treatment that has no actual effect.

Dependent variable

The variable that is being measured or observed in an experiment.

Independent variable

The variable that is being manipulated in an experiment.

Single-blind study

A study in which the researcher knows who is receiving the independent variable.

Double-blind study

A study in which neither the researcher nor the participants know who is receiving the independent variable.

Confounding variables

External factors that can influence the results of an experiment.

Quasi Experiment

An experiment where no independent variable is manipulated and participants are not randomly allocated.

Field Experiment

An experiment conducted in a natural setting with less control over variables.

Natural Experiment

Research conducted on the outcomes of a naturally occurring event.

Lab Experiment

An experiment conducted in a controlled laboratory setting.

Quantitative research

Research that involves data and numerical analysis, often aimed at generalizing results.

Qualitative research

Research focusing on in-depth study, interpreting data that can be subjective.

Independent Measures Design

A research design where different participants are used in each condition.

Repeated Measures Design

A research design where the same participants take part in all conditions.

Case Studies

In-depth investigations of a single person, group, or event using multiple research methods.

Sampling Methods

Techniques used to select participants for research including random, self-selected, opportunity, snowball, and stratified sampling.

Internal Validity

The degree to which an experiment controls confounding variables, affecting the quality of the results.

External Validity

The degree to which findings can be generalized to larger populations or real-world settings.

Selection bias

A threat to internal validity where participants are not randomly sampled.

Maturation

Changes in participants due to growth or aging during the study.

Demand characteristics

When participants act differently because they are aware of the study's purpose.

Experimenter Bias

Researcher unintentionally influencing the outcomes of a study.

Triangulation

Using multiple approaches to enhance the credibility of research findings.

Informed Consent

Participants are made aware of the study’s aims and their rights before agreeing to take part.

Oxytocin

A hormone involved in sexual reproduction, childbirth, and social bonding.

Target Cells

Cells that have receptors that interact specifically with a particular hormone.

Pheromones

Hormones released into the air for chemical communication between species.

Gene

The building block of heredity.

Genotype

The actual DNA structure of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable traits and characteristics of an individual.

Nature vs Nurture

A debate concerning the relative influence of genetics and environment on behavior.

Minnesota Twins Study

A longitudinal study examining the effects of nature vs. nurture on human differences.