Module 2 : Can Humans Be Studied Scientifically?
Causation
A cause and effect relationship in which one variable controls the changes in another variable. X causes Y Y causes X XY are caused by Z
Correlation
A measure of the relationship between two variables
correlation study
A non-experimental study designed to measure the degree of relationship (if any) between two or more events, measures, or variables.
longitudinal research
A research design in which the same individuals are followed over time and their development is repeatedly assessed.
Ethics
A system of moral principles.
double-blind study
Neither test subjects or researcher know what group they are in
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.
p-value
The probability level which forms basis for deciding if results are statistically significant (not due to chance).
Dunning-Kruger Effect
The tendency for unskilled individuals to overestimate their own ability and the tendency for experts to underestimate their own ability.
experiment
a controlled study in which the researcher manipulates one variable to discover its effect on another
archival research
a descriptive research approach that studies existing data to find answers to research questions
confounding variable
a factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment
operational definition
a statement of the procedures used to define research variables
single-blind study
a study in which the participants are unaware of whether they are in the control group or the experimental group
random assignment
assigning participants to experimental and control conditions by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between those assigned to the different groups
causuality
cause and effect relationship
Reliability
consistency of measurement
statistical analysis
determines how likely any difference between the 2 groups ( exp & cont )
placebo effect
experimental results caused by expectations alone
natural behavior
expression of natural behaviors
introspection illusion
our belief that social influence plays a smaller role in shaping our own actions than it does in shaping the actions of others
Generalization
responding similarly to a larger range of similar stimuli
blind observer
someone who records data without knowing the researcher's predictions
observer bias
tendency of observers to see what they expect to see
Implicit Association Test
test what people associate other people with (ex: black names = violence)
Validity
the extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to
illusory correlation
the perception of a relationship where none exists
natrualistic observation
the study of behavior in natraully occuring situations without manipulation or control on the part of the observer