Module #2 Vocab Flashcards
Hindsight bias
the tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it
Peer reviewers
scientific experts who evaluate a research article’s theory, originality, and accuracy
Theory
scientific experts who evaluate a research article’s theory, originality, and accuracy
Hypothesis
a testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Operational definition
a testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Replication
repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced
Preregistration
publicly communicating planned study design, hypotheses, data collection, and analyses
Case study
publicly communicating planned study design, hypotheses, data collection, and analyses
Naturalistic observation
a descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without changing or controlling the situation
Survey
a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group
Random sample
a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
Population
all those in a group being studied, from which random samples may be drawn
Correlation
a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor (variable) predicts the other
Correlation coefficient
a statistical index of the direction and strength of the relationship between two things (from −1.00 to +1.00)
Variable
anything that can vary and is practical and ethical to measure
Scatterplot
a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables
Illusory correlation
perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship
Regression toward the mean
the tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back (regress) toward the average
Experiment
a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more variables (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable)
Experimental group
in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable
Control group
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
Random assignment
assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups
Double-blind procedure
an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are uninformed (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo
Placebo effect
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
Independent variables
in an experiment, the variable that is MANIPULATED; the variable whose effect is being studied (X-AXIS)
Confounding variable
in an experiment, a variable other than the variable being studied that might influence a study’s results
Dependent variable
in an experiment, the variable that is measured; the variable that may CHANGE
Informed consent
giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate
Debrief
the post experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants
