Research Methods in Psychology

positive correlation

A correlation where as one variable increases, the other also increases, or as one decreases so does the other. Both variables move in the same direction.

Correlation

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

Experiment

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior

Random Sample

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

Survey

A technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Population

All the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.

Informed Consent

An ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.

Double-Blind Procedure

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.

Case Study

An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between those assigned to the different groups.

Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes Experiment

Experiment after the death of MLK to show children what it feels like to be discriminated against

Placebo Effect

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.

example of independent variable

In an experiment, a water flea is given caffeine to see how much it increases the little booger's heart rate. The caffeine is?

Experimental Group

In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.

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.

David Reimer Case

Man who's penis was burnt off during circumcision surgery while young (lol rough life man), so his parents had him sexually reassigned to a female. Growing up, still exhibited male characteristics, and ended up going back to being a male. Lived a miserable life and committed suicide.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Stanford Prison Experiment

Philip Zimbardo's study of the effect of roles on behavior. Participants were randomly assigned to play either prisoners or guards in a mock prison. The study was ended early because of the "guards'" role-induced cruelty.

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.

Tuskegee Syphilis Study

Research study conducted by a branch of the U.S. government, lasting for roughly 50 years (ending in the 1970s), in which a sample of African American men diagnosed with syphilis were deliberately left untreated, without their knowledge, to learn about the lifetime course of the disease.

Independent Variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Dependent Variable

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

Debriefing

The post-experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it. (Also known as the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon.)

APA Code of Ethics

This was developed to hold psychologists accountable for their studies to be done in an ethical way.

Confirmation Bias

a tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence

Milgram Experiment

an experiment devised in 1961 by Stanley Milgram, a psychologist at Yale University, to see how far ordinary people would go to obey a scientific authority figure

negative correlation

as one variable increases, the other decreases

example of dependent variable

if one studies for a test, the grade on the test will be better. (Grade=)

Nature vs. Nurture

name for a controversy in which it is debated whether genetics or environment is responsible for driving behavior

Confidentiality

the assurance that messages and information are available only to those who are authorized to view them

example of negative correlation

the more time someone spends on the phone, the worse grades they get

example of positive correlation

the more you study, the higher your grade