AP-Psychology - Correlation & Experimentation Flashcards

What is correlation?

A measure of the relationship between two variables; it does not imply causation.

What does 'correlation ≠ causation' mean?

Just because two variables are related does not mean one causes the other. A third variable may be influencing both.

What is a positive correlation?

A relationship where both variables increase or decrease together (e.g., the more Blair schemes, the closer she and Chuck get).

What is a negative correlation?

A relationship where one variable increases while the other decreases (e.g., as Serena’s popularity rises, Blair’s social power declines).

What is the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?

The factor that is manipulated or changed by the researcher (e.g., Blair sending Jenny to flirt with Chuck).

What is the dependent variable (DV) in an experiment?

The factor that is measured to see if it changes due to the IV (e.g., whether Chuck stays loyal or not).

What is the experimental group?

The group that receives the independent variable (e.g., Chuck being tested with Jenny’s flirting).

What is the control group?

The group that does not receive the independent variable (e.g., Chuck left alone to see if he cheats naturally).

What is random assignment?

Randomly placing participants into control or experimental groups to reduce bias.

What is the placebo effect?

When participants experience changes just because they believe they are receiving treatment (e.g., Serena thinking she’s being dethroned and acting like it’s true).

What is a double-blind procedure?

When both the participants and researchers don’t know who is in the experimental or control group, preventing bias.

What are confounding variables?

Extra variables that may affect the results (e.g., Dorota secretly interfering in Blair’s loyalty test on Chuck).