Experimental Designs: Between-Subjects

A research design where each participant experiences all levels of the independent variable. For example, in a study of the effects of caffeine on memory, participants would be tested on their memory after consuming both caffeine and a placebo.

A research design where different groups of participants experience different levels of the independent variable. For example, in a study of the effects of caffeine on memory, one group would receive caffeine, while another group would receive a placebo.

A potential problem in between-subjects designs where individual differences between groups can affect the results of the study. For example, if one group in a memory study is composed of individuals with higher baseline memory abilities than the other group, this could confound the results, making it difficult to determine whether any observed differences are due to the independent variable or the pre-existing differences between groups.

A technique used to create equivalent groups in between-subjects designs by randomly assigning participants to each group. This reduces the chance that pre-existing differences between groups will affect the results.

A technique used to create equivalent groups in between-subjects designs by matching participants on key characteristics before assigning them to groups. This ensures that the groups are similar on variables that could influence the dependent variable.

A technique used to reduce the impact of individual differences in between-subjects designs by limiting the range of participants on a particular variable. For example, only using participants within a narrow age range.

The variation in scores within a particular treatment group. This variation makes it harder to detect differences between treatment groups.

The differences in scores between different treatment groups. Larger differences are easier to detect.

A threat to the internal validity of within-subjects designs that occurs when participants drop out of the study and the attrition rate differs significantly between treatment groups. This can lead to biased results if the dropouts are systematically different from those who remain in the study.

A threat to the internal validity of between-subjects designs that occurs when participants in one group communicate with participants in another group, potentially influencing the results of the study. This can happen directly or indirectly.

Ethical issues in psychology research involve respecting participants' rights, minimizing harm, and ensuring informed consent. They address concerns like confidentiality, deception, and data manipulation.

Research strategies outline the overall approach to a study, like experimental or correlational. Designs focus on the specific structure of the study, involving independent and dependent variables, and the allocation of participants.

Descriptive statistics summarize data using measures like mean, median, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics allow researchers to draw conclusions and generalize findings from a sample to a larger population.

An APA-style research report follows a standardized format with specific sections, including an abstract, introduction, method, results, and discussion. It presents research findings in an objective and clear manner.

Evaluating secondary sources involves critically assessing the credibility, validity, and reliability of information from sources like books, articles, and websites. It ensures the accuracy and relevance of information.

A common misconception that psychology and science are separate entities. This can lead to a fear of science among psychology students.

The key technique that psychologists rely on to gather data and investigate questions. It is the foundation of any scientific discovery in psychology.

The act of seeking an explanation for something observed or interesting. This curiosity drives the exploration of human behavior using scientific methods.

The collection of information about human behavior, gathered through scientific research methods, forms the base of our understanding of the human mind and behavior.

The process of using scientific research methods to answer questions about human behavior.

The core of science in psychology involves asking 'Why?' and 'How?' questions to explore and understand human behavior in a systematic way.

The application of scientific methods and principles to investigate and answer questions about human behavior.

The initial resistance towards science in psychology stems from a misunderstanding of its role. Learning about scientific methods helps students appreciate its importance in understanding human behavior.

A threat to internal validity in within-subjects designs. It occurs when the order in which participants experience the different levels of the independent variable influences their responses.

A strategy to minimize order effects in within-subjects design. Participants receive the different treatment levels in different orders, ensuring each treatment appears an equal number of times in each position.

A threat to internal validity in within-subjects designs. The effects of the independent variable may be confounded with the passage of time.

A type of research design where participants are not randomly assigned to groups. This can lead to pre-existing differences between groups, potentially influencing the results.

A research design where the independent variable is manipulated to observe the effect on a dependent variable. This design helps determine cause-and-effect relationships.

A type of research design where the independent variable cannot be manipulated. Researchers observe naturally occurring variations in the independent variable.

A type of research design used to study changes over time. Participants are measured multiple times, usually before and after a treatment or event.

A type of quasi-experimental design that involves comparing two or more groups that are not equivalent at the start of the study. This can lead to confounding variables that make it difficult to draw causal conclusions.

A factor that is not controlled by the researcher but can influence the results of a study. It can confound the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

A factor that changes systematically with the independent variable, making it difficult to determine which factor is responsible for any observed effects.

A term describing the relationship between the independent and dependent variables when the effect of a confounding variable is not controlled. The apparent relationship may be due to the confounding variable, not the true effect of the independent variable.

A type of research design that aims to control threats to internal validity by matching participants on key characteristics. This helps create more equivalent groups for comparison.

A type of research design that aims to control threats to internal validity by manipulating the independent variable while controlling for confounding variables. This design helps establish causality.

A research strategy that examines relationships between two or more variables without manipulating any of them. It aims to understand how variables change together, not cause-and-effect.

A common type of research that investigates the relationships between variables by observing them as they naturally occur.

A research method that involves systematically observing and recording behaviors or events. It can be done in many different settings, from observing children's play to analyzing media content.

A type of observational research that involves studying the content of communications, such as written documents, speeches, or media.

A way of collecting data by asking people to provide information about themselves or their experiences. It can be done through questionnaires, interviews, or surveys.

A type of survey question that provides respondents with a limited number of choices to choose from, such as yes/no, true/false, or multiple choice.

A type of survey question that allows respondents to answer in their own words, providing more detailed and nuanced information. These are valuable because they allow respondents to express their own thoughts and feelings in depth.

The extent to which a research study is consistent and produces similar results when repeated under the same conditions.

The extent to which a research study measures what it is intended to measure.

The ability to use a correlational relationship to predict one variable from another.

An important feature of a good textbook that makes it easy for students to understand complex information.

Various tools within a textbook, like chapter overviews, learning exercises, and summaries, that help students learn effectively.