Key Words Flashcards
Hypothesis
The prediction of the outcome of the experiment.
Directional Hypothesis
A hypothesis that specifies the the direction of the relationship of the experiment.
Non-Directional Hypothesis
A hypothesis that does not specify the direction of the relationship of the experiment.
Null Hypothesis
The claim that the effect being studied does not exist.
Variables
Things that can be changed or altered, such as a characteristic or value.
Independent Variable
The variable that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effects on the dependent variable.
Dependent Variable
The variable that changes in response to manipulation of the researcher, that is being measured for the experiment.
Operationalisation (of variables)
To clearly state and objectify a variable.
Extraneous Variable
Variables other than the independent variable that have an effect on the dependent variable.
Co-Variables
Indicates two or more quantities being measured in a correlation by the researcher that may or may not vary with each other.
Naturalistic Experiment
A type of experiment in which an independent variable that already exists is tested in its natural environment, greately reducing the control of extraneous variables. It allows for investigation of variables that cannot be ethically created.
Field Experiment
A type of experiment that is conducted in a real life setting, which reduces the amount of control over extraneous variables, however the ecological validity is improved.
Laboratory experiment
A type of experiment that is conducted in a highly controlled environment, allowing control over extraneous variables at the expense of ecological validity.
Introspection
Means “looking into” - the examination of ones thoughts.
Reductionism
Belief that consciousness could be broken down to it’s basic elements without sacrificing any of the properties as a whole.