Understanding Psychology Chapter 2.1 What is Research?
Variables
Any measurable conditions, events, characteristics, or behaviors that are controlled or observed in a study.
Experimental group
In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.
Cross Sectional Study
a study in which people of different ages are compared with one another
Longitudinal Study
a study that observes the same participants on many occasions over a long period of time
Control group
group doesn't recieve independent variables
Naturalistic observation
observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
Ethics
the principles of right and wrong that guide an individual in making decisions
Case Study
an observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles
Sample
Small group of participants that a researcher studies
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.
Survey
A study, generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire, that provides researchers with information about how people think and act.
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory