Test One Flashcards
Confounding variable
When we know that an uncontrolled third variable is operating we can call the third variable a confounding variable
Construct validity
Concerns sheathed our methods of studying variables are accurate
Does the operational definition of a variable actually reflect the true theoretical meaning of the variable
Correlation coefficient
A numerical index of the strength of relationship between two variables
Curvilinear relationship
Values of one variable are accompanied by systematic increases and decreases I. The values of the other variable
Direction of relationship changes at least once
This type of relationship is sometimes known as a nonmonotonic function
Dependent variable
Variable that is measured
Experimental control
Extraneous variables are kept constant
Any variable that is held constant cannot be a confounding variable
Experimental method
Involves direct manipulation and control of variables
External validity
Concerns wheather we can generalize the findings of a study to other populations and settings
Field experiment
Conduct an experiment in a field setting
Independent variable
Manipulated variable
Internal validity
Refers to the accuracy of conclusions about a cause and effect
Negative linear relationship
Variables can be negatively related
Increases in the values in one variable and decreases in the values of the other variable
No experimental method
Correlational method
Relationships are studied by making observations or measures of the variables of interest
Ex-acting people to describe their behavior, directly observing behavior, recording psychological response, or examining various public records
Operational definition
The set of procedures used to measure or manipulate a variable
Participant variables
(Also called subject variables and personal attributes)
Characteristics of individuals such as age, gender, ethnic group, nationality, birth order, personality, or marital status
Positive linear relationship
Increase in the values of one variable are accompanied by increases in the values of the second variable
Randomization
Ensures that an extraneous variable is just as likely to affect one experimental group as it is to affect the other group
Variables are placed on the ___axis labels from high to low
Horizontal
Values of the second variable are labeled on the
Vertical axis
When there is no relationship a graph is
A flat line
Why are correlation coefficients important
We need to know how strong two variables relate to each other
What does the term uncertainty imply
There is randomness in events
Scientist refer this to randomness variability by identifying systematic relationships that occur
When would a variable no longer be random
If we can explain the variability
Ex-ask people to indicate gender when asking about social media use
Relationship between class attendance and course grades is an example of
No experimental method
A study when students thought a test was at high stake by one group having ministry payouts and the other not is an example of
Experimental method
Correlation method
Examine if variables correlate or vary together
When we actually know that an uncontrolled third variable is operating, we can call the third variable a
Confounding variable
What does randomization ensure
Extraneous variable is just as likely to affect one experimental group as it is to affect the other group
A study has high internal validity when
Strong inferences can be made that the be variable caused changes in another variable
Strong internal validity requires an analysis of these three elements….
Must be temporal precedence
- the casual variable should come first
- manipulate independent variable and see if it has effect on preceding events
Covariation between the two variables
—participants in experiment setting have effect
-participants in control setting have no effect
Eliminate plausible alternative explanations from the observed relationship
Questions regarding external validity
Can results of study be replicated with other erational definitions of the variables
Can results be replicated with different participantcan results be replicated in other settings
Ethics and experimental method
Some things would be unethical like alcoholism and child emotional stability. We observe these things in natural settings instead
Ex post facto design
Means after the fact
This is nonexperimental research because there is no random assignment to the groups and no manipulation
Differences between experimental and no experimental method
experimental research lies in the extent to which the environment is controlled and manipulated by the researcher.
In experimental studies the researcher sets up the environment and carefully controls the variables s/he is interested in.
Non-experimental research takes place in a real-life setting, and it is not possible for the researcher to control all possible variables.
This means that it is harder to determine causality in non-experimental studies, but also that they tend to be more flexible and allow for a greater range of topics to be studied
