PSC 041 Exam 1 Flashcards
Null hypothesis
there is no relationship between variables
Predictor variable
explanatory variables that predict outcome variables
Participant variables
individual differences like height or age
Independent Variable
variable manipulated under experimenter’s control
Outcome variable
measured outcome
Dependent variable
variable affected by change to IV
Construct
hypothetical variable that is not directly observable, like happiness, intelligence
Operational definition
description of operation by which the construct is measured (procedures, tests, actions)
Construct validity
degree to which operational definition is capable of measuring the construct of interest
Face validity
apparent soundness of a test or measure
Descriptive research design
aims to systematically obtain information to describe a situation, phenomenon, population
Correlational research design
investigates relationship between two variables without researcher manipulating them
Experimental research design
determining the relationship between two variables by manipulating one to see how it affects the other
Observation
watch behavior
Self-report
ask questions about attitudes, beliefs, feelings