Scientific Method
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events
Theory
Technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group
Survey
A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and how well either factor predicts the other
Correlation
An investigation seeking to understand the relations between cause and effect
Experiment
When temporary deception is necessary to the research, it must be fully explained at the conclusion of the experiment
Debriefing
A testable prediction
Hypothesis
Technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate or control the situation
Naturalistic Observation
One set of data rises while the other falls
Negative Correlation
Subjects do not receive the treatment.
Control Group
A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score
Standard Deviation
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a research study
Operational Definition
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
Random Sample
Perceiving a relationship where none exists
Illusory Correlation
Causes experimental results simply from expectations or assumptions that medication is being taken
Placebo Effect
Most of the scores or data fall on one side of the scale and there are very few scores on the other side
Skewed Distribution
Repeating the experiment precisely as it was conducted the first time
Replication
A flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample
Sampling Bias
The tendency for extreme scores or events to fall back toward the average
Regression to the Mean
Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance
Random Assignment
A p value of .05 or less means that it is 95% likely the results did not occur by chance
Statistical Significance
All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn
Population
Sample has the same distribution of demographic qualities in it as the population as a whole
Representative Sample
A statistical index of the relationship between two variables
Correlation Coefficient
The extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to
Experimental Validity
Mean, median, and mode
Measures of Central Tendency