Research Methods Flashcards
Confound
A difference across the conditions (besides the independent variable) that the researcher overlooked.
Experimental Control
When the environment and procedures are kept the same (except the independent variable)
Negative correlation
As one variable gets bigger or stronger, the other gets smaller or weaker
Positive Correlation
Both variables get bigger or stronger (and vice versa)
Experimental Research Design
Used to determine cause-and-effect relationships (addresses the main weaknesses of correlational studies)
What is needed to determine cause-and-effect relationships?
Experimental control and participants to be randomly assigned
What are the research methods used in Social Psychology?
Correlational research designs and experimental research designs
What is reverse causality?
In correlational designs, When the two variables are associated with one another but you cannot determine which is causing the changes in the other.
What is the thrid varibale problem?
The possibility of another factor/variable being the cause of both of the variables you’ve assessed.
What does the experimental research design look for?
The cause and effect relationship between two variables.
Independent variable
What the researcher is manipulating within a study.
Dependent variable
What the researcher is measuring within a study.
Any experiment needs…
- Experimental control
The procedure and environment must be the same for both groups. - Random assignment
Each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any of the conditions.
