Chapter 7- The Experimental Research Strategy

Question 1

true experiment

Answer 1

a study that attempts to show that changes in one variable are directly responsible for causing changes in a second variable.

Question 2

independent variable

Answer 2

In an experiment, the variable manipulated by the researcher. In behavioural research, the independent variable usually consists of two or more treatment conditions to which participants are exposed.

Question 3

treatment conditions

Answer 3

In an experiment, a situation or environment characterized by one specific value of the manipulated variable. An experiment contains two or more treatment conditions that differ according to values of the manipulated variable.

Question 4

levels

Answer 4

In an experiment, the different values of the independent variable selected to create and define the treatment conditions. In other research studies, the different values of a factor.

Question 5

dependent variable

Answer 5

In an experiment, the variable that is observed for changes to assess the effects of manipulating the independent variable. In nonexperiments and quasi-experiments, the dependent variable is the variable that is measured to obtain the scores within each group. The dependent variable is typically a behaviour or a response measured in each treatment condition.

Question 6

third-variable problem

Answer 6

The possibility that two variables appear to be related when, in fact, they are both influenced by a third variable that causes them to vary together.

Question 7

directionality problem

Answer 7

Demonstrating that changes in one variable tend to be accompanied by changes in another variable simply establishes that the two variables are related. The remaining problem is to determine which variable is the cause and which is the effect.

Question 8

manipulation

Answer 8

In an experiment, identifying the specific values of the independent variable to be examined and then creating treatment conditions corresponding to each of these values. The researcher then manipulates the variable by changing from one condition to another.

Question 9

randomization

Answer 9

The use of a random process to help avoid a systematic relationship between two variables. The intent is to disrupt any systematic relationship that might exist between extraneous variables and the independent variable.

Question 10

random assignment

Answer 10

A procedure in which a random process is used to assign participants to treatment conditions.

Question 11

experimental condition

Answer 11

The treatment condition in an experiment.

Question 12

control condition

Answer 12

In a research study, a condition that involves no treatment or a placebo treatment.

Question 13

no-treatment control condition

Answer 13

In an experiment, a group or condition in which the participants do not receive the treatment being evaluated.

Question 14

placebo effect

Answer 14

A participant’s response to an inert medication or treatment that has no real effect on the body; occurs simply because the individual thinks the placebo is effective.

Question 15

placebo control conditions

Answer 15

A group or condition in which the participants receive a placebo instead of the actual treatment.

Question 16

manipulation check

Answer 16

In an experiment, an additional measure used to assess how the participants perceived and interpreted the manipulation and/or to assess the direct effect of the manipulation.

Question 17

simulation

Answer 17

In an experiment, the creation of conditions that simulate or closely duplicate the natural environment in which the behaviours being examined would normally occur.

Question 18

mundane realism

Answer 18

In simulation research, the extent to which the superficial, usually physical, characteristics of the research environment duplicate the real-world environment that is being simulated.

Question 19

experimental realism

Answer 19

In simulation research, the extent to which the psychological aspects of the research environment duplicate the real-world environment that is being simulated.