Scientific Method and Experimental Design

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and concepts related to the scientific method and experimental design as discussed in the lecture.

Experimental Design

The process of carrying out research in an objective and controlled fashion to maximize precision and draw specific conclusions regarding a hypothesis.

Independent Variable

A factor or variable that is changed or manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

A factor or variable that is measured in an experiment to see how it is affected by the independent variable.

Control Variables

Variables that are kept constant in an experiment to prevent them from affecting the results.

Validity

The extent to which a concept, conclusion, or measurement corresponds accurately to the real world.

Reliability

The overall consistency of a measure; a measure is reliable if it produces similar results under consistent conditions.

Replicability

The principle that for the findings of a study to be replicable, the results should be achievable again with high reliability when the study is repeated.

Randomization

The process of assigning individuals at random to groups in an experiment, ensuring each individual has the same chance of being selected.

Placebo

A substance with no therapeutic effect, often used in clinical trials to test the efficacy of a treatment.

Placebo Effect

The phenomenon where patients experience perceived or actual relief from symptoms due to their belief in the treatment, regardless of its actual efficacy.

Multifactorial Experiments

Experiments that evaluate the effects and possible interactions of several independent variables simultaneously.

Double Blind Experiment

An experimental design where both the participants and the researchers do not know which participants belong to which group, reducing bias.