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AP Psychology - Research Methods Flashcards

All terms from Myers Psychology for AP (BFW Worth, 2011)

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6642986261Hindsight 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
6642986262HypothesisA TESTABLE prediction, often implied by a theory.1
6642986263Operational DefinitionA statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. HOW will you measure that variable?2
6642986264ReplicationRepeating 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
6642986265PopulationAll the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.4
6642986266representative samplinga sample from a larger population that is statistically typical of that population.5
6642986267Random SampleA sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.6
6642986268Correlation CoefficientA statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1 to +1). 0= no correlation7
6642986269ScatterplotA 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
6642986270Illusory CorrelationThe perception of a relationship where none exists. Often responsible for superstitions.9
6642986271ExperimentA 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
6642986272Random 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
6642986273Double-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
6642986274Placebo 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
6642986275Experimental GroupIn an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.14
6642986276Control 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
6642986277Independent VariableThe experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.16
6642986278Confounding VariableA factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.17
6642986279Dependent VariableThe outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.18
6642986280ModeThe most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.19
6642986281MeanThe arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.20
6642986282MedianThe middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it.21
6642986283RangeThe difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.22
6642986284Standard DeviationA computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.23
6642986285Normal 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
6642986286Statistical SignificanceA statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance. Usually 5% difference is significant25
6642986287Hawthorne 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

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