Chapter 2 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Independent Variable
Condition or event manipulated by the experimenter
Dependent Variable
Aspect of behavior thought to be affected by the independent variable
Experimental Group
Participants, or subjects who recieve special treatment
Control Group
Similar subjects who do not receive the treatment given to the experimental group
Extraneous Variables
Factors besides the IV that might affect the DV; hence, they need to be controlled
Correlation
Exists when two variables are related to each other
Types
Positive(variables covary in the same direction) or Negative(variables covary in the opposite direction)
Correlation Coefficient
Numerical index of degree of relationship between two variables
Strength
The closer the correlation to either -1.00 or +1.00, the stronger the relationship
Prediction
The stronger the correlation, the better one can predict
Causation
Correlation is not equivalent to causation
Naturalistic Observation
Careful, systematic observation, but no intervention with subjects
Case Study
In-depth investigation of a single participant, typically involving data from many sources
Survey
Questionnaires and interviews are used to gather information about specific aspects of participants’ behavior
Sampling Bias
Exists when a sample is not representative of the population
Placebo Effects
Occur when participants’ expectations lead them to experience some change, even though they receive empty or fake treatment
Distortions in self-report data
Results from problems, such as social desirability bias and halo effects, that happen when participants give verbal accounts of their behavior
Experimenter Bias
Occurs when a researcher’s expectations or preferences about the outcome of a study influence the results obtained
Confounding of Variables
Occurs when two variables are linked in a way that makes it difficult to sort out their specific effects
