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