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Psych Unit 2 notes
Unit 2 Review
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Scientific Method | A 5 step process for empirical investigation of a hypothesis under conditions designed to control bases and subjective judgements |
Validity | The degree to which results actually measure what they intend to measure accurately |
Reliability | The degree to which results can be replicated (consistency) |
Operational Definition | Exact procedures used in estimating experimental conditions and measurement of results |
Confounding Variables | Variables that have an unwanted influence on the outcome of an experiment |
Controls | Constraints that the experimenter places on the experiment to ensure that each subject has the exact same conditions |
Random Assignment | Equal chance of being chosen for the experimental group |
Ex post facto | Choosing subjects based on certain factors (not random) |
Correlational study | Shows the relationship between two variables but not a cause and effect (no controls) |
Survey | Behaviors, attitudes, opinions, beliefs; must be careful of biased questions and results or lies |
Naturalistic Observation | Natural environment; reduce attention drawn; no controls |
Longitudinal Study | One group followed for a long period; Accurate but is costly and time consuming |
Cross-sectional study | cross section (rep. subset) at a specific time. Cost less money and time but is less accurate |
Cohort-sequential study | A mixture of the longitudinal and cross sectional studies |
Personal Bias | Something you believe in |
Expectancy Bias | What you expect to happen |
Double-Blind Study | Eliminates bias. The experimenter and the subject both do not know the control and experimental group. |
Frequency Distribution | A summery chart, showing how frequently each of the various scores in a set of data occurs |
Descriptive Statistics | Statistical procedures used to describe characteristics |
Standard deviation | A measure of variability that indicates the average difference between the scores and their mean |
Correlation | A relationship between two variables, in which changes in one variable are reflected on changes in the other variable |
Correlation Coefficient | A number between -1 and 1 expressing degree of relationship between variables |
Inferential Statistics | Describes if results are meaningful (chance or reliable) |
Random Sample | A sample group of subjects selected by chance (no bias) |
Representative Sample | A sample obtained in such a way that it reflects the distribution of important variables in the larger population in which the researchers are interested |
Significant Difference | Psychologists accept a difference between the groups as "real" or significant when the probability that it might be due to an atypical sample drawn by chance is less than 5% |
construct | assumed to be present but cannot be seen or measured directly |
hypothesis | a prediction or assumption about behavior that is tested through scientific research |
replicate | to repeat a research study, usually with different participants and in different situations, to confirm the results of the original study |
survey | a research technique for acquiring data about the attitudes or begaviors of a group of people, usually by asking questions of a representative, random sample |
target population | the total group to be studied or described and from whom samples may be drawn |
sample | a representative segment of a target population |
random sample | a survey population, selected by chance, which fairly represents the general population |
stratified sample | a sample drawn in such a way that known subgroups within a population are represented in proportion to their numbers in the general population |
bias | a predisposition to a certain point of view |
volunteer bias | the concept that people who volunteer to participate in research studies often differ from those who do not volunteer |
case study | an in-depth study of a single person or group to reveal some universal principle |
cross-sectional method | a method of research that looks at different age groups at the same time in order to understand changes that occur during the life span |
naturalistic observation | the study of behavior in naturally occurring situations without manipulation or control on the part of the observer |
laboratory observation | the study of behavior in a controlled situation |
correlation | the relationship between variables |
positive correlation | a relationship between variables in which one variable increases as the other variable also increases |
negative correlation | an unpleasant stimulus between two variables in which one variable increases as the other variable decreases |
experiment | a controlled scientific procedure to determine whether certain variables manipulated by the researcher have an effect on other variables |
variables | factors that are measured or controlled in a scientific study |
independent variable | the factor that is manipulated by the researcher to determine its effect on another variable |
dependent variable | in an experiment, the factor that is being measured and that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable |
experimental group | in a study, the participants who receive the treatment |
control group | in an experiment, the group that does not receive the treatment |
controlled experiment | an experiment that uses both a control group and an experimental group to determine whether the independent variable influences behavior and, if so, how it does so |
placebo | an inert substance used in controlled experiments to test the effectiveness of another substance |
single-blind study | a study in which the participants are unaware of whether they are in the control group or the experimental group |
double-blind study | an experiment in which neither the participant nor the researcher knows whether the participant has received the treatment or the placebo |
standard deviation | a measure of distance of every score to the mean |
ethics | rules and standards for proper and responsible behavior |
informed consent | an agreement by an individual to participate in research after receiving information about the purpose of the study and the nature of the treatment |
Hypothesis | A specific testable prediction about some phenomenon. |
Theory | Set of formal statements that explains how and why certain events are related to one another. (theory -> hypothesis -> experiment) |
Hindsight (after-the-fact) | Past events can be explained in multiple ways. The reason we have may not have caused the specific event that we've seen. |
Good Theory | 1. Organize info in a meaningful way 2. Testable and generates a new hypothesis 3. supported by findings of new research 4. simpler is better (law of parsimony) |
Statistical Reliability | The degree to which independent measurements of a given behavior are consistent or the same. |
Validity | Degree to which an experiment or variable measures what it is intended to measure. |
Variable | Any characteristic or factor that can vary. |
Operational Variable | Defines it in terms of the specific procedure/method. |
Data | The number that represents facts used as a basis for reasoning, reaching conclusions, or analysis. |
Participants | Being observed |
Naturalistic observations | observation in normal environment adv : large amounts of descriptive data dis : observer bais, self-consciousness, may never see something interesting. |
Surveys | Set of questions asked to a group about beliefs, attitudes, preferences, or activities. uses-> gathering data, learning about options problems-> sampling errors, poorly phrased questions, self report measure. |
Correlational Research | Examining relationships between variables. |
Experimental Design | Set up of an experiment. |
Experimental Design Vs. Quasi experiment | Experimental -> Not randomly assigned Quasi -> Randomly assigned. |
Placebo Effect | When people show a change in behavior because of expectancy. |
Experimenter Expectancy | Subtle and unintentional ways the experimenter influences the outcome. |