Chapter 1 Flashcards
a descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
naturalistic observation
a statistical index of the relationship between two things (from −1.00 to +1.00)
correlation coefficient
an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or event
theory
a testable prediction, often implied by a theory
hypothesis
a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group
survey
a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
random sample
a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other
correlation
a 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 experimenter aims to control other relevant factors
experiment
in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable
experimental group
in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment
control group
assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups
random assignment
an 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
double-blind procedure
in an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied
independent variable
in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated
dependent variable
giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate
informed consent
a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (about 68 percent fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes
normal curve
a statement of how likely it is that a result (such as a difference between samples) occurred by chance, assuming there is no difference between the populations being studied
statistical significance
