Module 6 - Correlation and Experimentation

Question 1

Correlate

Answer 1

When one trait or behavior tends to coincide with another

Question 2

Correlation coefficient

Answer 2

A statistical measure of how closely two things vary together

Question 3

Variables

Answer 3

Anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure

Question 4

Scatterplots

Answer 4

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. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation)

Question 5

Illusory Correlation

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Regression toward the mean

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Experiment

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Experimental Group

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Randomly Assign

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Double-Blind Procedure

Answer 10

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies

Question 11

Double-Blind Procedure

Answer 11

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies

Question 12

Placebo

Answer 12

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 13

Independent Variable

Answer 13

The factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied

Question 14

Confounding Variables

Answer 14

A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s results

Question 15

Dependent Variable

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Validity

Answer 16

The extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to