Module 2: Research Strategies (Vocabulary)

Question 1

Hindsight bias

Answer 1

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have forseen it. “I -knew-it-all-along”.

Question 2

Theory

Answer 2

an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

a testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Question 4

Operational definition

Answer 4

a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures.

Question 5

Replication

Answer 5

repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants on different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced.

Question 6

Preregistration

Answer 6

publicly communicating planned study design, hypotheses, data collection, and analyses

Question 7

Meta-analysis

Answer 7

a statistical procedure for analyzing the results of multiple studies to reach an overall conclusion.

Question 8

Case study

Answer 8

a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Question 9

Naturalistic observation

Answer 9

a descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Question 10

Survey

Answer 10

a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a respresentative, random sample of the group.

Question 11

Random sample

Answer 11

a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Question 12

Population

Answer 12

all those in a group being studied, from which random samples may be drawn.

Question 13

Correlation

Answer 13

a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.

Question 14

Correlation coefficient

Answer 14

a statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1.00 to +1.00)

Question 15

Variable

Answer 15

anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure.

Question 16

Scatterplot

Answer 16

a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggest the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strenghth of the correlation.

Question 17

Illusory correlation

Answer 17

Perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger than-actual relationship.

Question 18

Regression toward the mean

Answer 18

The tendency for extreme or unusual scores of events to fall back (regress) toward the average.

Question 19

Experiment

Answer 19

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (IV) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (DV). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.

Question 20

Experimental group

Answer 20

In an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.

Question 21

Control group

Answer 21

In an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

Question 22

Random assignment

Question 23

Double-blind procedure

Answer 23

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.

Question 24

Placebo effect

Answer 24

experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

Question 25

Independent variable

Answer 25

In an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Question 26

Confounding variable

Answer 26

In an experiment, a factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s results.

Question 27

Dependent variable

Answer 27

In an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.

Question 28

Informed consent

Answer 28

Giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.

Question 29

Debriefing

Answer 29

The post experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.