1.
case study: An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
2.
confounding variable: A factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment.
3.
control group: In an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.
4.
correlation: A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other. The correlation coefficient is the mathematical expression of the relationship, ranging from -1 to +1
5.
correlation coefficient: A statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1 to +1)
6.
critical thinking: Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
7.
culture: The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a large group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next
8.
debriefing: The post-experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants
9.
dependent variables: The outcome factor-the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable
10.
double blind procedure: An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies
11.
experiment: A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effects on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant variable
12.
experimental group: In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.
13.
hindsight bias: The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it
14.
hypothesis: A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
15.
illusory correlation: The perception of a relationship where none exists
16.
independent variable: The experimental factor that is manipulated-the variable whose effect is being studied
17.
inferential statistics: Numerical methods used to determine whether research data support a hypothesis or whether results were due to chance
18.
informed consent: An ethical principle requiring that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate
19.
mean: The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtaining by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores
20.
median: The middle score in a distribution-half the scores are above it and half are below it
21.
mode: The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution
22.
naturalistic observation: Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
23.
normal curve/distribution: A symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (68% fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer near the extremes
24.
operational definition: A statement of the procedures used to define research variables. Ex human intelligence -- what an intelligence test measures.
25.
placebo: 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.
26.
placebo effect: Any effect that seems to be a consequence of administering a placebo
27.
population: All the cases in a group, from which samples may be drawn for a study
28.
random assignment: Assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance ,thus minimizing preexisting differences between those assigned to the different groups
29.
random sampling: A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
30.
range: The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution
31.
replication: Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances
32.
sample: Items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population
33.
scatter plot: A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation
34.
standard deviations: A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score
35.
statistical significance: A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance
36.
survey: A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of people, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of them
37.
theory: An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes and predicts observations
