The Scientific Method

Question 1

theory

Answer 1

an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

Question 2

hypothesis

Answer 2

a social interaction in which one person (the hypnotist) suggests to another (the subject) that certain perceptions, feelings, thoughts, or behaviors will spontaneously occur; in a therapeutic context, the hypnotist attempts to use suggestion to reduce unpleasant physical sensations or emotions

Question 3

operational definition

Answer 3

a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures. (Also known as operationalization.)

Question 4

replication

Answer 4

repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced

Question 5

case study

Answer 5

a non-experimental technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

Question 6

survey

Answer 6

a non-experimental technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group

Question 7

naturalistic observation

Answer 7

a non-experimental technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Question 8

population

Answer 8

all those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (Note: Except for national studies, this does not refer to a country’s whole population.)

Question 9

random sample

Answer 9

a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

Question 10

random assignment

Answer 10

assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups

Question 11

correlation

Answer 11

a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other

Question 12

correlation coefficient

Answer 12

a statistical index of the relationship between two things (from −1.00 to +1.00)

Question 13

experimental condition

Answer 13

a level of the independent variable that is manipulated by the researcher in order to assess the effect on a dependent variable. Participants in an experimental condition receive some form of treatment or experience whereas those in a control condition do not

Question 14

control group

Answer 14

in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

Question 15

independent variable

Answer 15

in an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied

Question 16

dependent variable

Answer 16

in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated

Question 17

placebo effect

Answer 17

experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent

Question 18

single-blind experiment

Answer 18

an experimental procedure in which the research participants are ignorant (blind) about whether they have received the treatment or a placebo

Question 19

double-blind experiment

Answer 19

an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies

Question 20

mean

Answer 20

the arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores

Question 21

mode

Answer 21

the most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution

Question 22

median

Answer 22

the middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it

Question 23

standard deviation

Answer 23

a computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score

Question 24

range

Answer 24

the difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution

Question 25

statistical significance

Answer 25

a statistical statement of how likely it is that a result (such as a difference between samples) occurred by chance, assuming there is no difference between the populations being studied

Question 26

control condition

Answer 26

lacks any treatment or manipulation of the independent variable. People assigned to the control group serve as the basis of comparison for the people in the experimental condition.

Question 27

ethics of testing

Answer 27

test takers must fully understand the purpose, procedures, and potential consequences of the test. Failure to obtain informed consent can lead to severe ethical breaches. Confidentiality and Privacy. Protecting the confidentiality and privacy of test results is vital