Module 2.5: Research Strategies: How Psychologists Ask & Answer Questions (Tues 9/16) Class 4

Correlational Studies

Studies that detect naturally occurring relationships and assess how one variable predicts another without manipulation.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical index between -1 and 1 that indicates the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

Causation

The action of causing something; in correlational studies, correlation does not imply causation.

Independent Variable

A variable that is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment; it is expected to change due to manipulation of the independent variable.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment, which is the independent variable being tested.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment; used as a benchmark to compare the effects of the treatment.

Random Assignment

A method used in experiments to ensure each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group, which helps to control for confounding variables.

Placebo Effect

The effect on the dependent variable that is caused by participants' expectations rather than the treatment itself.

Single Blind Study

A study design in which participants do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group, to prevent bias.

Double Blind Study

A study design in which both the participants and the experimenters do not know which participants are in the experimental or control group, reducing bias.

Natural Experiment

An observational study where the researcher does not manipulate the variables; differences observed are due to natural occurrences.

Descriptive Study

Research methods that involve observing and describing behavior without manipulating variables.

Motivation as a Third Variable

A potential explanatory factor that may influence the correlation between two variables, illustrating how correlation does not equal causation.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

A committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met, particularly regarding participant welfare.

Informed Consent

The process of providing potential research participants with comprehensive information about the study they are considering joining.

Debriefing

A procedure that occurs after a study where participants are informed about the study's purpose and any deception involved.

Confounding Variables

Variables that are not controlled in a study and may affect the results; it's important to identify them to accurately interpret findings.