Correlation and Experimentation

Correlational studies

statistical method used to examine relationship between two variables

Correlation coefficient

statistical index of the relationship between two variables

Confounding variable

a factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s result

illusory correlation

precieving a relationship where none exists

regression toward the mean

the tendency for extreme or unusual scores to fall back/regress toward the mean

experimental method

tests a hypothesis and establishes causation

selection bias

differences between the experimental and control groups are present from the beginning

random bias

assigning participants by chance

placebo effect

when the participant feels the “effect” of the independent variable without being exposed

experimenter bias

when a researcher’s pre-convinced ideas influence the participant’s behavior

single blind procedure

when the research participants are ignorant or blind whether they have received the treatment or placebo.

quanititive research

deals with number data

Qualiative research

form of research where results/data are NOT in the form of numbers