AP Chapter 1

Question 1

Hindsight Bias

Answer 1

The tendency the believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (Also known as the “I know it all along phenomenon”)

Question 2

Critical Thinking

Answer 2

Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values. evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Question 4

Operational Definition

Answer 4

A statement of procedures (operations) used to define research variables. For example, human intelligence may be operationally define as “what an intelligence test measures”.

Question 5

Replication

Answer 5

Repeating 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.

Question 6

Case Study

Answer 6

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Question 7

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 7

Observing and recording behaviour in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Question 8

Survey

Answer 8

A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviours of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.

Question 9

Population

Answer 9

All the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (Note: except for national studies, this does not refer to a countries whole population)

Question 10

Random Sample

Answer 10

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Question 11

Correlation

Answer 11

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.

Question 12

Correlation coefficient

Answer 12

A statistical index of the relationship between two things (-1 to 1), 0 equals no relationship.

Question 13

Scatterplot

Answer 13

A graphed cluster of dots, each represents value of two variables. Slope suggests direction of relation. Amount of scatter suggest strength of correlation.

Question 14

Experiment

Answer 14

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behaviour or mental process. By random sample, experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.

Question 15

Experimental Group

Answer 15

Group exposed to the treatment (independent variable)

Question 16

Control Group

Answer 16

Group not exposed to treatment, serves as comparison for evaluating effect of treatment.

Question 17

Random Assignment

Answer 17

Assigning participants to control or experimental group by chance, reducing preexisting differences of participants.

Question 18

Placebo

Answer 18

A fake pill

Question 19

Double Blind Procedure

Answer 19

Experiment where neither research staff or participants are aware of which group has received placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.

Question 20

Placebo Effect

Answer 20

Experimental result caused by expectation alone; any effect on behaviour caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which recipient assumes is an active agent.

Question 21

Independent variable

Answer 21

The factor manipulated; variable whose effect is being studied.

Question 22

Confounding Variable

Answer 22

A factor other than independent variable that might produce effect in an experiment (not a good thing)

Question 23

Dependant variable

Answer 23

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulation of independent variable.

Question 24

Mode

Answer 24

Most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution

Question 25

Mean

Answer 25

The arithmetic average of a distribution

Question 26

Median

Answer 26

The middle score of a distribution, haft of scores are below, half are above.

Question 27

Range

Answer 27

The difference between highest and lowest score in a distribution.

Question 28

Standard deviation

Answer 28

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.

Question 29

Normal curve

Answer 29

A symmetrical, bell shaped curve that describes he distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near mean, less and less near extremes.

Question 30

Statistical Significance

Answer 30

A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.

Question 31

Culture

Answer 31

The enduring behaviour, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from generation to the next.

Question 32

Informed Consent

Answer 32

An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.

Question 33

Debriefing

Answer 33

The postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.