5028 Chapter 10 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the control/baseline condition in an experiment?

A condition with random variable changes

A condition where the independent variable is not present (correct)

A condition where the independent variable is present

A condition where all variables are manipulated

What defines the experimental condition?

Presence of the independent variable.

What is an independent variable?

Environmental events manipulated by the investigator.

What does the dependent variable typically represent in behavioral research?

A response class measured throughout the study. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes experimental conditions from control conditions?

The presence of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important that the only difference between experimental and control conditions is the independent variable?

To accurately identify the effects of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises if changes in an intervention condition are confounded with other changes?

Uncertainty if the change is due to the independent variable or extraneous factors. Signup and view all the answers

What factors does the control condition account for?

All factors not related to the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Why must each experimental condition be compared to a matching control condition?

To provide a foundation for observing changes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main functions of the control condition?

To control for factors not related to the independent variable and to include everything else. Signup and view all the answers

What problems occur if the features of a control condition are not maintained throughout its matching intervention condition?

It would be impossible to show a function between the independent variable and changes in the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Why is starting a study with a control condition often useful?

It includes all variables except the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What are sequence effects?

Influence of prior experiences on behavior in subsequent conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How can sequence effects be both beneficial and problematic?

They can enhance responsiveness but may also obscure effects of subsequent conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the letter 'A' represent in experimental sequences?

First phase, which is not necessarily the control condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is a function relation?

A relation showing the dependent variable is influenced by the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Why might multiple studies be needed to establish a functional relationship?

To eliminate the influence of extraneous factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by experimental control?

The management of different variables in a study. Signup and view all the answers

How do repeated-measures designs enhance experimental control?

They allow for multiple comparisons of control and treatment conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is too much experimental control?

When control limits the ability to reflect necessary circumstances for answering the question. Signup and view all the answers

How can extraneous variables be managed?

By eliminating, holding constant, or evaluating them. Signup and view all the answers

What is treatment integrity?

How consistently the independent variable is implemented as designed. Signup and view all the answers

List three problems with experimental control.

Adjustments in behavior definitions, necessary modifications of conditions, and unanticipated extraneous factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between replication and reproduction?

Replication repeats procedures while reproduction repeats results. Signup and view all the answers

List the five types of replication.

Within-session, within-phase, within-experiment, within-literature, across-research-literature. Signup and view all the answers

How can replication assess reliability?

By determining if original findings can be duplicated. Signup and view all the answers

When replicating for reliability, how closely should the conditions match?

They should closely match to accurately assess which variable is responsible for changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is learned by replicating a condition exactly?

Information on the reliability of the effects. Signup and view all the answers

Why are replications useful for establishing generality?

They investigate whether effects persist under varying conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Factors affecting focus on reliability or generality in replication?

Reliability communicates certainty, while generality expands knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What considerations indicate a replication is successful?

Reproducing the original relationship between interventions and responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimal number of participants needed for valid results?

One. Signup and view all the answers

Why does adding participants not guarantee general findings?

It does not ensure that new participants are typical of the broader population. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of replication?

Generality and reliability. Signup and view all the answers

What questions guide replication decisions?

When to pursue replications, focus on reliability or generality, and how many are needed. Signup and view all the answers

What practical considerations influence the number of participants in a study?

Assessing generality, accommodating unplanned needs, and handling loss of participants. Signup and view all the answers

What advantages does a notational system for experimental designs provide?

It clarifies the nature of comparisons between conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What information is enclosed by a brace in experimental notation?

Labels identifying the participant, target behavior, and setting. Signup and view all the answers

What does a dotted line represent in experimental designs?

Control condition. Signup and view all the answers

What does a solid line indicate in an experimental design?

Intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'line up' signify in experimental notation?

End of one condition and the beginning of a new condition. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'line down' denote?

End of one condition and beginning of a previously used condition. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Experimental Conditions

Control/Baseline Condition: Absence of the independent variable in an experiment, serving as a comparison point.
Experimental/Treatment Condition: Phase where the independent variable is present, allowing for analysis of its effects.

Variables in Research

Independent Variable: Environmental factors manipulated by the investigator to observe their impact on the dependent variable.
Dependent Variable: Measurable behavior or response that is observed throughout the study to assess effects.

Importance of Control Conditions

Control conditions account for all factors unrelated to the independent variable, enabling clear identification of its effects.
Matching control conditions facilitate the detection of changes attributable to the independent variable.

Concept of Experimental Control

Experimental control involves managing variables to ensure that outcomes can be traced back specifically to the independent variable, minimizing the influence of extraneous factors.

Sequence Effects

Sequence effects refer to how the outcome in one condition can be influenced by experiences in a prior condition, which can complicate data interpretation.
Can be beneficial by enhancing response utility but problematic when obscuring the effects of subsequent conditions.

Replication in Research

Replication vs. Reproduction: Replication involves repeating procedures, while reproduction focuses on attaining the same results.
Different types of replication include within-session, within-phase, within-experiment, within-literature, and across-research-literature.
Replication assesses reliability and generality, helping to identify controlling variables in various contexts.

Managing Extraneous Variables

Methods for dealing with extraneous variables include elimination, holding constants, and evaluation, each with advantages and drawbacks:
- Eliminate: Effective but limits generality.
- Hold Constant: Ensures uniformity, yet influence remains.
- Evaluate: Offers insight but requires more time and resources.

Treatment Integrity

Treatment integrity refers to the consistency with which the independent variable is implemented according to the study design.

Challenges in Experimental Control

Potential concerns include adjustments in defining/measure behaviors, necessary modifications to conditions, and unforeseen extraneous variables affecting results.

Effective Sample Size

A minimum of one participant is necessary to make informed statements regarding the effects of an intervention.
Nonetheless, additional participants do not guarantee representativeness of broader populations.

Notational Systems in Experimental Designs

Notational systems succinctly convey the nature of comparisons across conditions, enhancing clarity in understanding experimental designs.
Symbols such as dotted lines for control conditions and solid lines for interventions illustrate the phases of an experiment.

Practical Considerations for Studies

Considerations for participant numbers include leveraging experimental conditions effectively, accommodating potential participant loss, and ensuring enough data to draw reliable conclusions.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Chapter 10 of your 5028 course. This quiz focuses on key concepts such as control conditions, independent variables, and experimental phases essential for understanding experimental design. Enhance your learning and retention of important terms in this chapter.