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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
14874731019Hindsight BiasThe tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.0
14874731020HypothesisA TESTABLE prediction, often implied by a theory.1
14874731021Operational DefinitionA statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. HOW will you measure that variable?2
14874731022ReplicationRepeating 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
14874731023PopulationAll the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.4
14874731024Random SampleA sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.5
14874731025Correlation CoefficientA statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1 to +1). 0= no correlation6
14874731026ScatterplotA 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.7
14874731027Illusory CorrelationThe perception of a relationship where none exists. Often responsible for superstitions.8
14874731028ExperimentA 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.9
14874731029Random 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.10
14874731030Double-Blind ProcedureAn experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.11
14874731031Placebo 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.12
14874731032Experimental GroupIn an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.13
14874731033Control 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.14
14874731034Independent VariableThe experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.15
14874731035Confounding VariableA factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.16
14874731036Dependent VariableThe outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.17
14874731041Standard DeviationA computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.18
14874731042Normal 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.19
14874731043Statistical SignificanceA statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance. Usually 5% difference is significant20

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