Lecture Notes: Correlation and Experimental Methods

Module 6 AP Psych

correlation: a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.
correlation coefficient: a statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1.00 to +1.00).
variable: anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure.
scatterplot: a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).
illusory correlation: perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship.
regression toward the mean: the tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back (regress) toward the average.

A scatterplot is a graphed cluster of dots, each dot represents the values of two variables.
The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables.
The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).

illusory correlation: perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship.

regression toward the mean: the tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back (regress) toward the average.

experiment: a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.
experimental group: in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.
control group: in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.
random assignment: assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.

double-blind procedure: an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.

placebo: [pluh-SEE-bo; Latin for "I shall please"]
effect: experimental results caused by expectations alone; effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

independent variable: in an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

confounding variable: a factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study's results.

dependent variable: in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.

validity: the extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to.