Chapter 2: Research Methods

Question 1

Independent variable

Answer 1

the aspect of an experiment that is made to systematically vary across the different conditions in an experiment. (variable being manipulated in an experiment, usually in psych it is some kind of behaviour)

Question 2

Dependant variable

Answer 2

That aspect of an experiment that is allowed to freely vary to determine if it is affected by changes in the independent variable. (variable being measured or observed in an experiment)

Question 3

Quasi-experimental variable

Answer 3

A variable that is inseparable from an individual and cannot be manipulated; however, group comparisons can be made based on that variable. (ex. Race or gender) used in comparative designs.

Question 4

Functional relationship

Answer 4

The relationship between changes in an independent variable and changes in a dependent variable; a cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 5

Stimulus

Answer 5

any event that can potentially influence behaviour

Question 6

Response

Answer 6

a particular instance of behaviour, especially when it occurs in reaction to a stimulus.

Question 7

Overt behaviour

Answer 7

Behaviour that can potentially be observed by an individual other than the one performing the behaviour.

Question 8

Covert behaviour

Answer 8

Behavior (such as thoughts and feelings) that can be perceived only by the person performing the behaviour. Also known as private behaviours or private events (as skinner would call them)

Question 9

Appetitive stimulus

Answer 9

something that an organism will seek out (positive/ reward)

Question 10

Aversive stimulus

Answer 10

something that an organism will avoid (negative/punishment)

Question 11

Motivating operation

Answer 11

a procedure that affects the appetitiveness or averseness of a stimulus. (2 types: establishing and abolishing operations)
ex: how much sugar put in a batch of cookies

Question 12

Establishing operation

Answer 12

procedure that increases the appetitiveness or aversiveness of an event

Question 13

Abolishing operation

Answer 13

procedure that decreases the appetitiveness or aversiveness of an event

Question 14

ABAB / Reversal design

Answer 14

single subject design that consists of repeated alternations between a baseline phase and a treatment phase