Unit 2 - Module 6

Question 1

Correlation Coefficient

Answer 1

statistical index of relationship between two variables (from -1.0 to +1.0); tells how closely they vary together and predict one another, the strength of the relationship

Question 2

Scatterplot

Answer 2

graphed dots, each representing values of two variables; slope suggests relationship’s direction and amount of scatter suggests correlational strength

Question 3

Illusory Correlations

Answer 3

perceptions of a relationship where none exists; caused by memorable random coincidences

Question 4

Experiment

Answer 4

research method in which an investigator manipulated one or more factors to observe effect on behavior or mental processes

Question 5

Experimental Group

Answer 5

group exposed to treatment; to a version of the independent variable

Question 6

Control Group

Answer 6

group not exposed to treatment; contrasts with experimental group; serves as a comparison

Question 7

Random Assignment

Answer 7

assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance to minimize preexisting differences between the groups

Question 8

Double Blind Procedure

Answer 8

experimental procedure in which both the research staff and the participants don’t know which participants received treatment and which received placebos

Question 9

Placebo Effect

Answer 9

experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior is caused by administration of an inert substance or condition that the recipient assumes is an active agent

Question 10

Independent Variable

Answer 10

experimental factor that is manipulated; variable whose effect is being studied

Question 11

Dependent Variable

Answer 11

outcome factor; Variable that may change in response to manipulation of the independent variable

Question 12

Confounding Variable

Answer 12

factor other than independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment; random assignment controls for possible confounding variables

Question 13

Validity

Answer 13

extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to