Experiments & Variables
The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment.
What is the Independent Variable (IV)?
An observational study where the researcher observes participants from a distance without them knowing or being able to give consent.
What is a covert, naturalistic observation?
A graphical display used to show the relationship between two co-variables in a correlational study.
What is a scatter diagram (or scatter graph)?
The measure of central tendency calculated by adding up all the scores and dividing by the total number of scores.
What is the mean?
The BPS ethical guideline that ensures participants are fully informed about the nature of the study so they can agree to take part.
What is informed consent?
This type of experiment is conducted in a natural, everyday setting where the researcher manipulates the IV, but participants often do not know they are being studied.
What is a field experiment?
This type of interview question produces rich, detailed, qualitative data because it allows respondents to answer in their own words.
What is an open question?
When one co-variable increases as the other co-variable decreases, it demonstrates this type of correlation.
What is a negative correlation?
This measure of dispersion is calculated by subtracting the lowest value from the highest value.
What is the range?
A sampling technique where every single person in the target population has an equal chance of being selected (e.g., drawing names out of a hat).
What is random sampling?
A type of extraneous variable that varies systematically with the IV, making it impossible to tell if the IV or this variable caused the change in the DV.
What is a confounding variable?
When an observer records only specific behaviors that occur within pre-determined time intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds), they are using this sampling method.
What is time sampling?
This is a crucial limitation of correlational research: it demonstrates a relationship between variables, but it cannot prove this.
What is cause and effect?
Data expressed in numbers, measurements, or quantities that can be easily statistically analyzed.
What is quantitative data?
Ethical guideline used at the end of a study to reveal the true nature of the research, offer support, and restore participants to their original state.
What is debriefing?
This experimental design involves different participants in each condition, which can lead to participant variables affecting the results.
What is an independent measures design?
A major disadvantage of questionnaires where participants tend to answer in a way that makes them look good rather than telling the truth.
What is social desirability bias?
An in-depth, detailed investigation of a single individual, small group, or unusual event, often utilizing multiple methods.
What is a case study?
In a positively skewed distribution, the tail of the graph pulls toward the right, meaning this measure of central tendency is typically the highest value.
What is the mean?
This sampling method is quick and easy because it simply involves using whoever is available and willing to take part at the time.
What is opportunity sampling?
To combat order effects in a repeated measures design, researchers use this technique where half the participants do condition A then B, and the other half do B then A.
What is counterbalancing?
This type of observation occurs when the researcher becomes a functioning member of the group being studied to gain insider perspective.
What is a participant observation?
A correlation coefficient of $-0.85$ indicates this type of relationship between two co-variables.
What is a strong negative correlation?
When calculating percentages, if 14 out of 35 GCSE psychology students scored an A, this is the percentage that achieved an A.
What is 40%?
If a participant feels forced, pressured, or financially bribed into continuing a study they want to leave, this specific ethical right has been compromised.
What is the right to withdraw?