Exam 2: Experimental Research

Question 1

Experimental research

Answer 1

A type of research where the investigator manipulates one or more independent variables and observes their effect on a dependent variable.

Question 2

Nonexperimental research

Answer 2

Research that does not involve manipulation of variables but rather involves observing and measuring variables as they naturally occur.

Question 3

Independent variable

Answer 3

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment to examine its effect on the dependent variable.

Question 4

Dependent variable

Answer 4

The variable that is measured to see if it is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Question 5

Extraneous variables

Answer 5

Variables other than the independent variable that could influence the dependent variable if not controlled.

Question 6

Confounding variable

Answer 6

An extraneous variable that systematically varies with the independent variable and could provide an alternative explanation for the results.

Question 7

Conditions

Answer 7

Different levels or variations of the independent variable that participants in an experiment are exposed to.

Question 8

Control

Answer 8

Procedures or techniques used to eliminate or reduce the impact of extraneous variables.

Question 9

Manipulation

Answer 9

The process of systematically changing or altering the independent variable to examine its effects on the dependent variable.

Question 10

Single factor two-level design

Answer 10

An experimental design involving one independent variable with exactly two levels or conditions.

Question 11

Single factor multilevel design

Answer 11

An experimental design involving one independent variable with more than two levels or conditions.

Question 12

Treatment condition

Answer 12

The condition in which participants are exposed to the experimental treatment or manipulation.

Question 13

Control condition

Answer 13

The condition in which participants do not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Question 14

Randomized clinical trial (RCT)

Answer 14

A study in which participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups to test the effectiveness of an intervention.

Question 15

No-treatment control condition

Answer 15

A condition in which participants do not receive the treatment or intervention, allowing for comparison with those who do.

Question 16

Placebo control condition

Answer 16

A condition in which participants receive a placebo treatment (inactive substance) to control for the effects of expectations.

Question 17

Wait-list control condition

Answer 17

A control condition in which participants are placed on a waitlist to receive the intervention after the experimental group has completed it.

Question 18

Placebo effect

Answer 18

A change in behavior or symptoms due to participants’ expectations of treatment rather than the treatment itself.

Question 19

Placebo

Answer 19

An inactive substance or treatment given to participants to control for the placebo effect.

Question 20

Between-subjects experiments

Answer 20

Experiments in which different participants are assigned to different conditions, so each participant experiences only one condition.

Question 21

Random assignment

Answer 21

A method of assigning participants to different conditions randomly to ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any condition.

Question 22

Within-subjects experiments

Answer 22

Experiments in which the same participants experience all conditions, allowing for direct comparisons within each participant.

Question 23

Carryover effect

Answer 23

When the effects of one condition persist and influence responses to subsequent conditions in a within-subjects design.

Question 24

Practice effect

Answer 24

When participants’ performance improves over time as they practice or become familiar with the experimental tasks.

Question 25

Fatigue effect

Answer 25

When participants' performance declines over time due to tiredness or boredom.

Question 26

Context effect (or contrast effect)

Answer 26

When participants' responses in one condition are influenced by the context or contrast of previous conditions.

Question 27

Counterbalancing

Answer 27

A technique used to control for order effects in within-subjects designs by varying the order of conditions across participants.

Question 28

Internal validity

Answer 28

The extent to which an experiment accurately establishes a causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Question 29

External validity

Answer 29

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations, people, or contexts.

Question 30

Construct validity

Answer 30

The extent to which a test or experiment accurately measures the theoretical construct it is intended to measure.

Question 31

Statistical validity

Answer 31

The extent to which statistical conclusions drawn from a study are accurate and reliable.

Question 32

Experimenter expectancy effect

Answer 32

When the researcher's expectations unintentionally influence participants' behavior or the outcomes of the study.

Question 33

Double-blind study

Answer 33

A study in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know which participants are receiving the treatment, controlling for bias.