RESEARCH METHODS, MEASUREMENT, AND STATISTICS Flashcards
Control group
The group of subjects in an experiment that receives the same treatment and is treated exactly like the experimental group, except with respect to the independent variable (they don’t get the IV).
Correlation coefficient
A measurement that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables. In a positive correlation, one variable increases as the other increases. In a negative correlation, one variable decreases as the other increases.
Correlational research method
A research method that provides information about the relationship between variables. It is also called a descriptive research method.
Dependent variable
The variable that is observed in an experiment and that may be affected by manipulations of the independent variable.
Descriptive statistics
Numbers that researchers use to describe their data so it can be organized and summarized.
Double-blind
A procedure in which neither the subjects nor the experimenter knows which subjects belong to the experimental and control groups.
Ethics
A system of moral values.
Experiment
A research method that provides information about causal relationships between variables.
Experimental group
A group of subjects in an experiment for whom the independent variable is manipulated.
Experimenter bias
A source of error that arises when researchers’ preferences or expectations influence the outcome of research.
Extraneous or confounding variable
A variable other than the independent variable that could affect the dependent variable. It is not part of the hypothesis.
Falsifiability
The ability of a theory or hypothesis to be rejected.
Independent variable
The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.
Inferential statistics
Statistics used to determine the likelihood that a result is just due to chance.
Informed consent
A subject’s voluntary agreement to participate in a research study, given after he or she has learned enough about the study to make a knowledgeable decision to participate.
Laboratory observation
An observational research method in which information about subjects is collected in a laboratory setting.
Mean
The arithmetic average of a set of scores.
Measures of central tendency
The mean, median, and mode. Used to describe the typical or average score in a distribution
Median
The middle score in a set when all scores are arranged in order from lowest to highest.
Mode
The most frequently occurring score in a set of scores.
Naturalistic observation
A method of collecting information about subjects in a natural setting without interfering with them in any way.
Negative correlation
A relationship between two variables in which one variable increases as the other one decreases. The variables move in opposite directions related to one another.
Negatively skewed distribution
A data distribution with a few very low scores.