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AP Psychology - Research Methods Flashcards

Advanced Placement Psychology
Enterprise High School, Redding, CA
All terms from Myers Psychology for AP (BFW Worth, 2011)

Terms : Hide Images
7534473284Hindsight BiasThe tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (Also known as the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon.)0
7534473285HypothesisA TESTABLE prediction, often implied by a theory.1
7534473286Operational DefinitionA statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. HOW will you measure that variable? Also what techniques will be employed to produce them.2
7534473287ReplicationRepeating 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.3
7534473288PopulationAll the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.4
7534473289representative samplinga sample from a larger population that is statistically typical of that population.5
7534473290Random SampleA sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.6
7534473291Correlation CoefficientA statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1 to +1). 0= no correlation7
7534473292ScatterplotA graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables.8
7534473293Illusory CorrelationThe perception of a relationship where none exists. Often responsible for superstitions.9
7534473294ExperimentA 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 investigator aims to control other relevant factors. The only way to show a cause-effect relationship.10
7534473295Random AssignmentAssigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between those assigned to the different groups. This makes it easier to tell if the I.V. truly affected the D.V.11
7534473296Double-Blind ProcedureAn 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 a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.12
7534473297Placebo EffectExperimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.13
7534473298Experimental GroupIn an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.14
7534473299Control GroupIn an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.15
7534473300Independent VariableThe experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.16
7534473301Confounding VariableA factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.17
7534473302Dependent VariableThe outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.18
7534473303ModeThe most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.19
7534473304MeanThe arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.20
7534473305MedianThe middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it.21
7534473306RangeThe difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.22
7534473307Standard DeviationA computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.23
7534473308Normal CurveA symmetrical, bell-shape that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (68 percent fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes.24
7534473309Statistical SignificanceA statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance. Usually 5% difference is significant25
7534473310Hawthorne Effecttendency of some people to work harder and perform better when they are participants in an experiment. Individuals may change their behavior due to the attention they are receiving from researchers rather than because of any manipulation of independent variables.26
7559161538Empirical InvestigationBased on careful measurements and direct experience.27
7559192206CorrelationA study that determines the relationship between two variables.28
7559205786Surveyreseardh method in which questions are asked to subjects29
7559211726Longitudinal StudyResearch method in which a group is studied over a long period of time.30
7559216611Cross-sectional StudyStudy in which a cross section of the population is tested or surveyed.31
7559222784Cohort-sequential Studyresearch method in which a section or group is studied over a period of time32
7559235939Case StudyResearch method in which one person is studied in depth and may be a rare or exceptional case33

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