Unit 2 Key Terms

Question 1

Control condition

Answer 1

The condition of an experiment that contrasts with the experimental condition and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

Question 2

Correlation

Answer 2

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other. The correlation coefficient is the mathematical expression of the relationship, ranging from -1 to +1

Question 3

Critical Thinking

Answer 3

Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.

Question 4

Culture

Answer 4

The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a large group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next

Question 5

Dependent Variable

Answer 5

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable; the effect

Question 6

Double-blind Procedure

Answer 6

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 placebo. Commonly used in drug evaluation studies

Question 7

Experiment

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Experimental Condition

Answer 8

The condition of an experiment that exposes participants to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable

Question 9

False Consensus Effect

Answer 9

The tendency to overestimate the extent to which others share our beliefs and behaviors

Question 10

Hindsight Bias

Answer 10

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it

Question 11

Hypothesis

Answer 11

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Question 12

Illusory Correlation

Answer 12

The perception of a relationship where none exists

Question 13

Independent Variable

Answer 13

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied; the cause

Question 14

Mean

Answer 14

The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores

Question 15

Median

Answer 15

The middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it

Question 16

Mode

Answer 16

The most frequently occurring score(s) in the distribution

Question 17

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 17

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Question 18

Operational Definition

Answer 18

A statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures

Question 19

Placebo Effect

Answer 19

Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which is assumed to be an active agent

Question 20

Population

Answer 20

All the cases in a group, from which samples may be drawn for a study

Question 21

Random assignment

Answer 21

Assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance, thus minimizing pre-existing differences between those assigned to the different groups

Question 22

Random sample

Answer 22

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

Question 23

Range

Answer 23

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in the distribution

Question 24

Replication

Answer 24

Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances

Question 25

Scatterplot

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Standard deviation

Answer 26

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score

Question 27

Statistical significance

Answer 27

A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance

Question 28

Survey

Answer 28

A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of people, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of them.

Question 29

Theory

Answer 29

And explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Question 30

Case study

Answer 30

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth, in the hope of revealing universal principles