Research Methods in Psychology #2

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Experiment

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A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process.

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Independent variable

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The factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied. IV given only to experimental group.

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Dependent variable

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The outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated. DV measured in both groups.

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Experimental group

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Subjects receive the treatment or are exposed to the independent variable.

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Control group

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Subjects do not receive the treatment.

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Random assignment

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Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance to minimize preexisting differences between the groups and avoid confounding variables.

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Confounding variable

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A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s result.

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Experimenter bias

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When researchers unintentionally influence results to confirm their own beliefs, through signaling expectations or favoring certain data.

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Placebo

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A harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for psychological benefit than physiological effect.

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Placebo effect

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Experimental results caused by expectations or assumptions that medication is being taken, like a pill without any medication.