Chapter 3 Flashcards
Social learning
A theory of learning based on observing and imitating the behaviours of others
Condition
A variation in the experimental procedure. By comparing different conditions researchers can make inferences about the effects of one variable on another
Independent variable
A variable that is manipulated by the experimenter to see what effect this has on another variable
Experimental condition
A condition in an experiment where participants are exposed to a specific variation in the independent variable
Control condition
The baseline condition, against which experimental conditions can be compared
Confounding variable
A variable that is not controlled by the researcher but that can affect the results
Dependant variable
A variable that is expected to change as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable
Generalise
To extend the findings of a single study to explain behaviour in other situations or settings
Correlation
An association between two events, meaning that they tend to occur together more often than one might expect by chance
Longitudinal studies
Studies that monitor and chart the development of psychological variables over long periods of time
Direction of effect
Describes which of two variables is the initial cause and which is the resulting effect
Mechanisms
The process or set of processes that underpin a particular psychological phenomenon, such as social learning
Priming
Where exposure to a particular behaviour renders more likely the display of that behaviour in subsequent similar situations
Cognitive
To do with mental processes such as perception, memory and thinking
Desensitise
A process whereby repeated exposure to stimulus weakens an initially strong response
