psyc 332 CH 7

Question 1

Confounding variable

Answer 1

An extraneous variable (usually unmonitored) that is allowed to change systematically along with the two variables being studied. In the context of an experiment an extraneous variable that changes systematically along with the independent variable and has the potential to influence the dependent variable. A confounding variable provides an alternative explanation for the observed relationship and therefore is a threat to internal validity.

Question 2

Control group

Answer 2

In a research study a condition that involves no treatment or a placebo treatment.

Question 3

Dependent variable

Answer 3

In an experiment the variable that is observed for changes to assess the effects of manipulating the independent variable. In nonexperiments and quasiexperiments the dependent variable is the variable that is measured to obtain the scores within each group. The dependent variable is typically a behavior or a response measured in each treatment condition.

Question 4

Directionality problem

Answer 4

Demonstrating that changes in one variable tend to be accompanied by changes in another variable simply establishes that the two variables are related. The remaining problem is to determine which variable is the cause and which is the effect.

Question 5

Experiment

Answer 5

A study that attempts to show that changes in one variable are directly responsible for causing changes in a second variable. Also known as a true experiment.

Question 6

Experimental group

Answer 6

The treatment condition in an experiment.

Question 7

Experimental realism

Answer 7

In simulation research the extent to which the psychological aspects of the research environment duplicate the realworld environment that is being simulated.

Question 8

Experimental research strategy

Answer 8

A research strategy that attempts to establish the existence of a causeandeffect relationship between two variables by manipulating one variable while measuring the second variable and controlling all other variables.

Question 9

Extraneous variable

Answer 9

Any variable that exists within a study other than the variables being studied. In an experiment any variable other than the independent and dependent variables.

Question 10

Field study

Answer 10

An experiment conducted in a setting that the participant or subject perceives as a natural environment.

Question 11

Levels

Answer 11

In an experiment the different values of the independent variable selected to create and define the treatment conditions. In other research studies the different values of a factor.

Question 12

Manipulation

Answer 12

In an experiment identifying the specific values of the independent variable to be examined and then creating treatment conditions corresponding to each of these values. The researcher then manipulates the variable by changing from one condition to another.

Question 13

Manipulation check

Answer 13

In an experiment an additional measure used to assess how the participants perceived and interpreted the manipulation and or to assess the direct effect of the manipulation.

Question 14

Mundane realism

Answer 14

In simulation research the extent to which the superficial usually physical characteristics of the research environment duplicate the realworld environment that is being simulated.

Question 15

No treatment control group

Answer 15

In an experiment a group or condition in which the participants do not receive the treatment being evaluated.

Question 16

Placebo

Answer 16

An ineffective inert substitute for a treatment or medication.

Question 17

Placebo control group

Answer 17

A group or condition in which the participants receive a placebo instead of the actual treatment.

Question 18

Placebo effect

Answer 18

A participants response to an inert medication or treatment that has no real effect on the body occurs simply because the individual thinks the placebo is effective.

Question 19

Random assignment

Answer 19

A procedure in which a random process is used to assign participants to treatment conditions.

Question 20

Random process

Answer 20

A procedure that produces one outcome from a set of possible outcomes. The outcome must be unpredictable each time and the process must guarantee that each of the possible outcomes is equally likely to occur.

Question 21

Randomization

Answer 21

The use of a random process to help avoid a systematic relationship between two variables. The intent is to disrupt any systematic relationship that might exist between extraneous variables and the independent variable.

Question 22

Simulation

Answer 22

In an experiment the creation of conditions that simulate or closely duplicate the natural environment in which the behaviors being examined would normally occur.

Question 23

Third variable problem

Answer 23

The possibility that two variables appear to be related when in fact they are both influenced by a third variable that causes them to vary together.

Question 24

True experiment

Answer 24

A study that attempts to show that changes in one variable are directly responsible for causing changes in a second variable. See experiment.