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14 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Operational definition |
carefully worded description of the exact procedures used experiments (to help replication) ex: premature is earlier than 2 months |
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Theory |
explains and event or idea based on what we have observed ----A good theory: -organizes observations -produces testable predictions -stimulates research |
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hypothesis |
A testable prediction based on a theory ---ways to test hypotheses and refine theories: -descriptive methods -correlational methods -Experimental methods |
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Descriptive methods |
-Case studies: in-depth studies of individuals -Naturalistic observation: observing individuals behavior in a natural setting -Surveys: people answer questions about their own behavior and attitudes |
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Random sample |
a sample that fairly represents a population (everyone has an equal chance of being chosen) -Representative sample: a smaller group that accurately reflects the larger population (to be representative it must be random) |
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Correlational methods (Correlation) |
A measure of how much 2 things relate and can predict each other -Positive correlation: between 0 and +1.00 means direct relationship (two things increase and decrease together) -Negative correlation: between 0 and -1.00 means inverse relationship (as one increases the other decreases) (correlation near 0 is weak, indicating little or no relationship. Gets stronger with bigger number) (correlation does NOT mean causation) |
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Experimental methods |
Method in which researchers vary one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effects on behavior or metal processes (dependent variables) (only method that can prove cause and effect--descriptive and correlation can't prove causation) |
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Experimental/Control group |
-Experimental group: group that receives the treatment -Control group: doesn't receive treatment |
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Double-Blind Procedure |
neither those in the study nor those collecting data know which group is receiving treatment (eliminates bias) |
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Placebo Effect |
Results cause by expectations alone |
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Random Assignment |
assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance to minimize any differences between the groups |
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Independent Variable |
(or manipulated variable) A factor in an experiment that is manipulated (the variable whose effect is being studied) ex: the dosage of viagra given to participants because the dosage is controlled by the researcher) |
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Confounding Variable |
A factor other than an independent variable that might produce and effect in an experiment ex: ages, weight and personalities |
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Dependent Variable |
(the factor that is measured) the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated (dependent on the independent) |
