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PSYC-2 Vocab
Psyc 101 Chapter 2 Vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
scientific method | A multistep technique that generates empirical knowledge--that is, knowledge derived from systematic observations of the world |
operational definitions | Definitions that specify how concepts can be observed and measured |
descriptive research | Methods designed to observe and describe behavior |
reactivity | When behavior changes as a result of the observation process |
external validity | The extent to which results generalize to other situations or are representative of real life. |
naturalistic observation | A descriptive research technique that records naturally occuring behavior as opposed to behavior produced in the laboratory |
case study | A descriptive research technique in which the effort is focused on a single case, usually an individual |
survey | A descriptive research technique designed to gather limited amounts of information from many people, usually by administering some kind of questionnaire. |
random sampling | A procedure guaranteeing that everyone in the population has an equal likelihood of being selected for the sample |
mean | The arithmetic average of a set of scores |
mode | Th most frequently occurring score in a set of scores |
median | The middle point in an ordered set of scores; half of the scores fall at or below the score, and half fall at or above the score |
variability | A measure of how much the scores in a distribution of scores differ from one another |
range | The difference between the largest and smallest scores in a distribution |
standard deviation | An indication of how much individual scores differ or vary from the mean |
descriptive statistics | Mathematical techniques that help researchers describe their data |
inferential statistics | Mathematical techniques that help researchers decide whether data are representative of a population or whether differences among observations can be attributed to chance. |
correlation | A statistic that indicates whether two variables vary together in a systematic way; ______ coefficients vary from +1.00 to -1.00 |
experimental research | A technique in which the investigator actively manipulates the environment to observe its effect on behavior |
independent variable | The aspect of the environment that is manipulated in an experiment. It must consist of at least two conditions |
dependent variable | The behavior that is measured or observed in an experiment |
confounding variable | An uncontrolled variable that changes along with the independent variable |
internal validity | The extent to which an experiment has effectively controlled for confounding variables; __________ experiments allow for the determination of causality |
rand assignment | A technique ensuring that each participant in an experiment has an equal chance of being assigned to any of the conditions in the experiment |
placebo | An inactive, or inert, substance that resembles an experimental substance |
single-blind study | Experimental participants do not know to which condition they have been assigned; it's used to control for participant expectancies |
double-blind study | Neither participants nor research observers are aware of who has been assigned to the experimental and control groups; it's used to control for both participant and experimenter expectances |
informed consent | The principle that before consenting to participate in research, people should be fully informed about any significant factors that could affect their willingness to participate |
debriefing | At the conclusion of an experimental session, informing the participants about the general purpose of the experiment, including any deception that was involved. |
confidentiality | The principle that personal information obtained from a participant in research or therapy should not be revealed without the individual's permission. |