The Experiment: Hunting for Causes Flashcards
Researchers rely on the experimental method to track down causes of behavior.
What freedoms do experiments allow researchers to have?
They allow researchers to control, or manipulate a situation.
What does Informed Consent provide to experiment volunteers?
Informed Consent protects participants from physical and mental harm, and informs them of any risks there may be and lets the participant be able to drop out at any time if they choose.
Explain: Independent Variable of an experiment
Independent Variable is the aspect manipulated by the researcher.
Explain: Dependent Variable of an experiment
Dependent Variable is the behavior the researcher is trying to protect; it is the reaction of the subjects.
What is held constant in an experimental situation?
Ideally, everything except the Independent Variable.
________ variable affects _________ variable
Independent Variable affects Dependent Variable
Experiments usually require two groups for compare. The experimental group, and __________.
Control Group
Explain the differences between an Experimental Group and Control Group…
The experimental group is exposed to the independent variable, whereas the control group is not exposed to the same treatment of the independent variable.
Explain: Random Assignment
It is a procedure used in assigning people to experimental and control groups by making sure each person has the same probability of being assigned into either group.
In some studies, the control group may be assigned a Placebo, which is…
A fake treatment or sugar pill.
Define: Single-blind study
Participants in a single-blind study do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group.
Define: Double-blind study
The person running the experiment will not know which group is which until after data has been gathered, and participants are blind as well.
(double-blind is a standard in drug research)
Experiments provide researchers with supreme control, which can also make it less and less like real life. What type of research can help the study of behavior in natural contexts?
Field Research
