Chapter 7 Flashcards
what is an experiment or a true experiment?
Attempts to show that changes in one variable are directly responsible for changes in a second variable
what is the independent variable?
the variable manipulated by the researcher. Usually consists of two or more treatment conditions to which participants are exposed.
what is a treatment condition?
a situation or environment characterized by one specific value of the manipulated variable. An experiment contains two or more treatment conditions that differ according to the values of the manipulated variable.
What are levels?
the different values of the independent variable selected to create and define the treatment conditions.
What is the dependent variable?
the variable that is observed for changes to assess the effects of manipulating the independent variable. Typically a behaviour or a response measured in each treatment condition.
what is the third variable problem?
Although a study may establish that two variables are related, it does not necessarily mean that there is a direct (causal) relationship between the two variables. It is possible that there is a third variable controlling the two variables and is responsible for producing the relation.
what is manipulation?
consists of identifying the specific values of the independent variable to be examined and then creating a set of treatment conditions corresponding to the set of identified values.
what is randomization?
the use of a random process to help avoid a systematic relationship between two variables
What is the experimental condition?
What is the control condition?
Experimental condition: the treatment is administered
Control condition: the treatment is NOT administered (no treatment control condition)
what is a placebo control condition?
a condition in which participants receive a placebo instead of the actual treatment
what is the placebo effect?
refers to a positive response by a participant to an inert medication that has no real effect on the body.
what is a manipulation check?
an additional measure to assess how the participants perceived and interpreted the manipulation and/or assess the direct effect of the manipulation.
