Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is the interaction effect?
Different causes may interact with eachother to produce changes in a dependent variable (A + B = changes in C)
Define moderation.
The relationship between two variables depends on a third variable (A causes C but is also dependent on levels of B)
Define mediation.
This occurs when the relationship between two variables is explained by a third variable (A causes B and B causes C)
What is gestalt psychology?
Looking at a whole object rather than specific aspects
Define hindsight bias.
Tendency to see an outcome as inevitable once the actual outcome is known
What is postmodernism?
Realities are only social constructs and are therefore subject to change
Define social representations.
Socially shared beliefs and values associated with our cultures
What is a qualitative methodology?
Research approach based on the systematic measurement of events or phenomena and the statistical analysis of data
Define demand characteristics.
Aspects of a study that participants may interpret as “demanding” a particular response
Define an independent variable.
The variable that is manipulated to have an outcome on the dependent variable
Define a dependent variable.
The variable that is measured -it is influenced by the independent variable
Define external validity.
The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations and to other people.
Define internal validity.
Refers to how well an experiment is done, especially whether it avoids confounding (more than one possible independent variable [cause] acting at the same time). The less chance for confounding in a study, the higher its internal validity is
What is a field experiment?
An experiment that is set up in the ‘real world’ - participants are usually unaware it is an experiment
What are confounding variables?
Variables that are too closely related within the experiment making it difficult to know which is having an effect
What is a field study?
A type of observational study where the researcher goes into the field to observe naturalistic behaviors
Define self-selection.
A problem arising when a result in a study becomes difficult to interpret because participants with certain attitudes or characteristics disproportionally select themselves to participate in the research
Define construct validity.
The degree to which a test measures what it claims, or purports, to be measuring
Define statistical significance.
Is the likelihood that a relationship between two or more variables is caused by something other than random chance
What is an individualistic culture?
People are oriented around the self - independent, instead of identifying with a group mentality. They see each other as only loosely linked, and value personal goals above that of the group
What is a collectivist culture?
A culture based on valuing the needs of a group or a community over the individual. Kinship, family, and community are extremely important. People tend to work together to create harmony and group cohesion is extremely valued
Define deception.
Participants are mislead about the purpose of the research
What is a confederate?
A member of the research team who poses as a real participant and is instructed to interact/respond in a predetermined way
What is a debrief?
Participants are informed he purpose, aims and hypothesis of the research - any deception in an experiment is to be discussed during the debrief
