Experiment vocab

Question 1

Operational definition

Answer 1

very specific steps of an experiment that can be replicated with the same results

Question 2

Independent variable

Answer 2

Factor that is changed by the experimenters
(what is changing)
ex: caffeine and no caffeine

Question 3

Dependent variable

Answer 3

What is being measured

ex: reaction time of participant

Question 4

Confounding variable

Answer 4

Anything else in the experiment that could affect the results of the study

ex: if the weather is hot and you did not tell people to wear specific clothing

Question 5

Population

Answer 5

all the cases in a group from which samples may be drawn for a study

Question 6

Randomization

Answer 6

used to create a random representative sample (sample that fairly represents a population bc each member has an equal chance of inclusion

ex: a computer program asking every 3rd student to participate
-valid=representative of population

Question 7

Random assignment

Answer 7

Taken from the random sample of people and put into either the experimental or control group by chance

ex: put people into 2 dif groups randomly

Question 8

Placebo control

Answer 8

An experimental condition where a fake IV is used

ex: fake substance is used like a sugar pill

Question 9

Placebo effect

Answer 9

Experimental results caused by participant expectations of IV not by actual IV

Ex: students who believe they are receiving the real pill but are getting a sugar pill get the same affects of taking the real pill

Question 10

Single-Blind

Answer 10

Participants are unaware of group condition (treatment or placebo)

Question 11

Double-blind

Answer 11

Both the participants and the experimenter are unaware who is receiving the IV and who is receiving the placebo

Question 12

Between-subjects

Answer 12

different groups are compared

ex: when half group gets IV and other half does not and compare results

Question 13

Within-subjects

Answer 13

Subjects are used as their own control groups

ex: give placebo one day, measure heart rate, give real caffeine next day, measure heart rate, compare results

Question 14

A-B-A design

Answer 14

participants first experience the baseline condition (A) then experience the treatment (B) and then return to the baseline (A).
Helps confirm the change in DV was due to IV and not a confounding variable like like

Question 15

Counterbalancing

Answer 15

Use 2 seperate groups but switch up the order of events in experiments

Question 16

Group matching

Answer 16

Intentionally picking participants like equal number of girls and boys or equal percentage of Catholics if the variable has to do with the outcome

Question 17

Observer bias

Answer 17

If I am conducting the experiment and I give the drug out I might change my behavior because I know what I want the results to be

Question 18

illusory correlation

Answer 18

nothing is actually correlated but the connection seems strong

ex:ice cream sales and murders

Question 19

informed consent

Answer 19

sign waivers, explain what you are expected to do, what will happen

Question 20

debriefing

Answer 20

explain AFTERWARDS the purpose and results of the study

Question 21

Risk/Gain assessment

Answer 21

always minimize risks, avoid deception whenever necessary

Question 22

Anonymity and privacy

Answer 22

protect the identities and info provided by the subjects