Psych Vocab

Lab experiments

Controlled experiments conducted in a laboratory setting to investigate cause-and-effect relationships.

Field experiments

Experiments conducted in real-world settings outside the lab to study behavior in its natural context.

Independent measures design

Using separate groups of participants for each condition in an experiment.

Repeated measures design

Employing the same participants in all experimental conditions.

Matched pairs

Assigning participants to conditions based on pre-existing characteristics that are relevant to the study.

Self-report questionnaires

Surveys where participants answer questions about their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

Self-report interviews

Interviews in which participants verbally answer questions about themselves.

Case studies

In-depth analysis of a single individual or small group, often used to gain insight into complex phenomena.

Quantitative data

Numerical data that can be analyzed using statistical methods.

Qualitative data

Non-numerical data that involves descriptions, narratives, and interpretations.

Open-ended questions

Questions that allow for varied, unrestricted responses.

Closed-ended questions

Questions with predetermined response options (e.g., multiple-choice).

Structured interviews

Interviews with predetermined questions and response formats.

Unstructured interviews

Interviews with flexible, open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses.

Overt

Observable behaviors or actions that are evident to researchers.

Covert

Hidden behaviors or actions that are not directly observable.

Naturalistic observation

Studying subjects in their natural environment without manipulation.

Controlled observation

Observing subjects in a controlled environment to control variables.

Correlations

Relationships between variables without implying causation.

Longitudinal studies

Observing the same subjects over an extended period to track changes.

Aim

The goal or purpose of a research study.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction or statement about the relationship between variables.

Independent variable

The variable manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent variable

The variable measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Operational definition

Clearly defining how a variable will be measured or manipulated.

Controlled variables

Factors kept constant to prevent them from affecting the outcome.

Uncontrolled variables

Factors that could influence the results but are not controlled.

Participant variables

Individual differences among participants that can affect the results.

Situational variables

Environmental factors that can influence behavior.

Standardised procedure

A uniform method followed in every aspect of a study.

Subjective data

Information influenced by personal opinions and biases.

Objective data

Information based on facts and observable phenomena.

Opportunity sample

Participants selected based on availability.

Volunteer sample

Participants who self-select to participate in a study.

Random sample

Participants chosen randomly from a larger population to increase representativeness.

Ethics

Principles guiding the responsible conduct of research and treatment of participants.

Validity

The extent to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure.

Reliability

The consistency and stability of research results over time.

Ecological validity

The extent to which study findings apply to real-world settings.

Mundane realism

The degree to which a study's setting resembles real life.

Demand characteristics

Cues that influence participants to respond in a certain way.

Generalisability

The ability to extend research findings to other populations or situations.

Likert scale

A survey rating scale that measures attitudes or opinions on a numeric scale.

Inter-rater reliability

The level of agreement between different observers' measurements.

Inter-observer

Similar to inter-rater reliability, the consistency between different observers' measurements.

Replicable

The ability of a study to be repeated and yield consistent results.

Measure of central tendency

Statistical measures indicating the center of a data set (mean, median, mode).

Mean

The average value of a data set.

Median

The middle value in a data set when arranged in order.

Mode

The most frequently occurring value in a data set.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest values in a data set.

Standard deviation

A measure of the dispersion or spread of data around the mean.

Bar chart

A graphical representation using bars to show data distribution.

Histogram

A bar chart depicting the frequency distribution of a continuous variable.

Scatter graph

A plot displaying the relationship between two variables using dots.

Random allocation

Assigning participants to different conditions randomly to control bias.

Placebo

A substance or treatment with no therapeutic effect, often used in control groups.

RTW (right to withdraw)

Participants' ability to leave a study at any time without penalty.

Privacy

Safeguarding participants' personal information and data.

Null hypothesis

A statement of no effect or no difference between groups.

Directional hypothesis

Predicts a specific direction of change in the variables.

Non-directional hypothesis

Predicts a relationship between variables without specifying a direction.

Confidentiality

Protecting participants' identities and data from being disclosed.

Social desirability bias

Participants responding in a way they believe is socially acceptable.

Debrief

Informing participants about the study's purpose and addressing any concerns.

Informed consent

Participants' voluntary agreement to participate after being informed about the study.

Confounding variable

An uncontrolled variable that affects the dependent variable and introduces error.

Internal validity

The extent to which a study accurately identifies causal relationships.

External validity

The generalizability of research findings to other settings or populations.