Unit 2: Research and Stats

the most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.

• mean

• mode

• median

• range

thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, assesses the source, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.

• replication

• random assignment

• placebo effect

• critical thinking

in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

• correlation

• control group

• experimental group

• placebo effect

statistical index of the relationship between two variables (from -1 to +1).

• confounding variables

• statistical significance

• correlation

• correlation coefficient

a bar graph depicting a frequency distribution.

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• standard deviation

• histogram

the perception of a relationship where none exists.

• illusory correlation

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• standard deviation

experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

• critical thinking

• placebo effect

• replication

• double-blind procedure

a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures.

• double blind procedure

• correlation coefficient

• operational definition

• inferential statistics

postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.

• validity

• debriefing

• experimental group

• correlation

a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

• random sample

• case study

• correlation

• validity